Vancouver based newspaper The Province has cited the 2008 economic recession and the 9/11 terrorist attacks as the primary reasons for the fall in Bermuda tourism.

An article titled ‘Bermuda falling off the trail for tourists’, written by Michael McCarthy, documented his view on the rise of Bermuda tourism and its struggles in recent years.

The article said: “The tiny garden island, only 20 miles long and about two miles wide, has been a tourist destination longer than just about any other place in the world.

“When discovered by the Spanish and then colonised by the British 400 years ago, the island immediately became a vacation spot for British bureaucrats and those few travellers lucky enough to enjoy some time there.

“The dazzling pink sand beaches (caused by a tiny organism that lives in the coral reefs) and mild climate served as a magnet for those who could afford to come.

“Eventually the island evolved into a scuba destination, tennis and golf mecca, in appearance and demeanour something of a huge country club, immaculately landscaped and perfectly manicured.

“The richest of the rich from Britain and the United States still make it their second home.

“All of the island’s harbours and bays became chock-a-block with expensive yachts and fancy sailboats, and the island’s golf courses required reservations well in advance.

“Cruise ships lined up to berth at the island’s three major ports and tourists flocked forth to buy trinkets.

“But then came 9/11 followed by a global recession in 2008 and a strange thing happened.

“Many people stopped travelling and the middle class in America found itself economically strapped, so tourism to Bermuda began to dwindle.

“The United States economy continues to falter even today, and so does travel to expensive Bermuda.”

Recent tourism figures show a five percent increase in visitors to Bermuda in the second quarter 2014 in comparison to the same period in 2013.