Following the publication of a Scottish Government consultation that proposes to give local councils the ability to introduce a levy on cruise ships, Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart said:
“Shetland has embraced the cruise ship sector and the boost in trade to local businesses is welcome.
“It cannot be ignored though that there can be impacts from cruise ship tourism, on council services for example, and capturing additional revenue could help to balance the additional strain.
“There is what appears to be an unfairness within the Visitor Levy legislation that people who choose to spend more than just a few hours in Shetland, staying in overnight accommodation and contributing to local businesses, should shoulder all of the Visitor Levy.”
