Earth Day was celebrated this month on April 22. When it was first held in 1970 the event was estimated to have involved more than 20 million Americans who were committed to promoting and taking steps to protect the environment. Over the years, the participation in Earth Day has grown dramatically and has greatly influenced awareness for environmental issues. It has also helped to promote federal legislation aimed at improving the environment.
Earth Day has also become a highly visible global event recognized in hundreds of countries worldwide. Today, U.S. businesses, non-profits, and schools all join in to celebrate Earth Day.
What is the connection between PVA and Earth Day? In 2008, then PVA President Mike Borgstrom, Wendella Sightseeing Boats, Chicago, Ill., felt strongly that PVA members needed a program to help them implement green practices that would not only complement their operations but demonstrate environmental responsibility to the traveling public.
From that idea, the PVA Green WATERS program was born. A group of highly dedicated PVA members came together to create a program that is uniquely tailored to the needs of the passenger vessel industry. The PVA Green WATERS program is completely voluntary and is intended to assist PVA members in easily implementing and maintaining environmentally sustainable business practices. Because every vessel operation is different, this program, which has evolved over time, is intended to be used as a guide and is recommended to use those practices that make sense for individual companies.
Green Waters Best Practices Manual
PVA has developed a manual that guides participants through the world of environmentalism. Using case studies, it enables PVA members to quickly and economically implement environmentally friendly practices in their businesses.
Apply for the PVA Green WATERS Program here >
If you have questions about the PVA Green WATERS program, please feel free to contact me at jgroundwater@passengervessel.com.
PVA 2026 Congressional Fly-In
PVA vessel and associate members gathered in Washington, D.C., this month for the 2026 PVA Congressional Fly-In to represent our association and industry on Capitol Hill. More than 30 PVA members participated in 32 meetings in both House and Senate offices. This annual gathering is an event where PVA members and staff interact on a one-on-one basis with members of Congress and their staffs to discuss issues and topics of importance to passenger vessel operators, vendors, and suppliers alike.
The following were just a few of the issues that were discussed:
Important Industry Roles – Emphasized the significant contributions of the U.S. passenger vessel industry to transportation and tourism.
Funding the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Mission – Urged Congress to support the Coast Guard Marine Safety Program through adequate funding.
Small Shipyard Grant Program – Stressed increasing funding for this important program to support PVA member small U.S. shipyards.
Importance of Ferries – Underscored how critical public ferries are to the smooth functioning of our nation’s transportation system and to the conservation of valuable energy resources.
I encourage you to consider joining a future PVA Congressional Fly-In. I assure you that you will find it to be an excellent use of your time and a valuable opportunity to support not only your business needs but those of the passenger vessel industry at large.
Domestic Travel Forecasts Remain Positive For 2026
In the face of ongoing international economic and political upheaval, including rising fuel costs, travel experts remain optimistic about expectations for domestic U.S. travel in 2026.
Prospects for U.S. domestic travel and vacations in 2026 are being portrayed by these experts as reflecting a blend of optimism, caution, and shifting priorities shaped by economic pressures and ever-changing travel habits. Reports indicate that travelers still value the benefits of getting away, but at the same time are approaching trip planning with a more price‑sensitive mindset than in previous years.
The US Travel Association (USTA) expects a fairly solid domestic travel season in 2026. While they anticipate domestic air travel to increase slightly, travel agencies apparently have reported a measurable jump in domestic bookings in early 2026. At the same time, they note that domestic hotel business rose by 11 percent in March over 2025 and projections for summer hotel registration bookings are projected to rise by 23 percent over last year.
According to USTA, U.S. consumers expect to travel in 2026 at similar levels as in 2025. Their survey data shows that a majority of Americans plan to maintain or increase travel budgets, although they indicate that these same consumers will exercise care in how they spend their travel dollars this year. Forecasts indicate that domestic travel in 2026 will include more regional road trips and driving oriented travel.
Overall, U.S. travel experts expect domestic travelers in 2026 to be financially disciplined. They plan to travel, but they expect to do so with a sharper eye for value.
I hope that each of you experience an exceptional and safe season. In the meantime, please let me know whenever we can be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,
John R. Groundwater
Executive Director
John Groundwater is the Executive Director of the Passenger Vessel Association.