THE LOCAL tourism association is “absolutely delighted” that Shetland Islands Council has decided not to introduce a visitor levy. Shetland Tourism Association (STA) chair Amanda Hawick also sought to highlight the work the organisation had carried out in gathering feedback from its members on the levy. She also questioned how feasible it would have been for Shetland Islands Council to administrate a visitor levy, due to costs but also staff workload. Reflecting on the decision, Hawick said: “When the news broke that it had been fired out, yes it was a victory for the Shetland Tourism Association and industry in being so vocal. Meanwhile the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers said it also supports the SIC’s stance on the visitor levy.