Restaurants are relying on locals to beef up their bottom line in light of declining visitors.

The revelation follows a recent report by the Department of Statistics indicating air arrivals had fallen by 10 percent in the second quarter compared to the same period last year and visitor spending by approximately $18 million.

Restaurateurs admitted they are hoping residents will make up the shortfall.

"September was terrible for the first three weeks," said a spokesperson for Barracuda Grill. "Tourists were not spending much so we have had to rely on locals.

"August business was the same as last year but this July was slower than last year. I assume that because the economy is down right now in the United States, we naturally would be affected."

A spokesperson from popular tourist hangout, Bermuda Bistro at the Beach said their numbers were also not as good as last year – and they do not expect the fall to get much better.

Despite the decline, none of the restaurants this newspaper spoke to has had to lay off staff.

A spokesman for Front Street eatery Cafe Cairo, said: "It has been a difference from last year because the ships are not in, but we are operating with our full staff, we haven't had to let anybody go."

He said they expect the next couple of months to be even quieter as Bermuda enters what is typically a slower season.

According to the Department of Statistics: "The number of visitors stood at 89,642 persons, representing the lowest second quarter visitor total since 1980. The decline can be partly attributed to the knock-on effects of soaring oil prices on the global economy, as some major carriers have reduced their service to the Island to combat increased fuel costs.

"The decline in air arrivals translated into a similar fall in visitors staying at guest accommodations.

"Resort hotels experienced a decline in occupancy for the fifth consecutive quarter, dropping 13 percent, or 6,077 fewer bookings than recorded in the second quarter 2007. Similarly, visitors staying in small hotels, cottage colonies and clubs fell 19 percent.

"Visitors arriving by air spent an estimated $126 million during the second quarter of 2008, approximately $18.3 million less than the second quarter of 2007."