Editing Shetland (section)

====Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic====
Tourism dropped significantly in 2020 (and into 2021) due to restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the major decline in the number of cruise ships that continued to operate worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/features/how-cruise-lines-are-preparing-for-a-post-pandemic-world |title=How Cruise Lines are Preparing for a Post-Pandemic World |date=30 September 2020 |work=Maritime Executive |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125212920/https://maritime-executive.com/features/how-cruise-lines-are-preparing-for-a-post-pandemic-world |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of early February 2021, the Promote Shetland website was still stating this information: "At present, nobody should travel to Shetland from a Level 3 or Level 4 local authority area in Scotland, unless it's for essential purposes". That page reiterated the government recommendation "that people avoid any unnecessary travel between Scotland and England, Wales, or Northern Ireland".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/responsible-travel |title=FAQs on travelling to Shetland in winter 2020 |date= |work=Promote Shetland |access-date=7 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227155926/https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/responsible-travel |url-status=live }}</ref>

A September 2020 report stated that "The Highlands and Islands region has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to date, when compared to Scotland and the UK as a whole". The tourism industry required short-term support for "business survival and recovery" and that was expected to continue as the sector was "severely impacted for as long as physical distancing and travel restrictions" remained in place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hie.co.uk/media/9646/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-highlands-and-islands.pdf |title=The Impact of COVID-19 On the Highlands and Islands |date=1 September 2021 |work=HIE |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115125449/https://www.hie.co.uk/media/9646/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-highlands-and-islands.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 31 December 2020, the usage of ferries and buses was restricted to those travelling for essential purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.gov.uk/news/article/112/ferries-move-to-restricted-timetable-and-bookings-system |title=Ferries move to restricted timetable and bookings system |date=31 December 2020 |work=Shetland Islands Council |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote= |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231111401/https://www.shetland.gov.uk/news/article/112/ferries-move-to-restricted-timetable-and-bookings-system |url-status=live }}</ref> The Island Equivalent scheme was introduced in early 2021 by the Scottish government to financially assist hospitality and retail businesses "affected by Level 3 coronavirus restrictions". Previous schemes in 2020 included the Strategic Framework Business Fund and the Coronavirus Business Support Fund.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.gov.uk/news/article/130/support-for-businesses-island-equivalent-payment |title=Support for businesses – Island Equivalent Payment |date=2 February 2021 |work=Shetland Islands Council |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote=from 28 December 2020 to 24 January 2021, businesses in Level 3 island areas, including Shetland, can now apply for a payment of £2,000 or £3,000}}</ref>