The weakness of the Canadian dollar is a likely contributor to the drop in Canadian visitors to the Island, according to the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

“We can’t say that with 100 per cent certainly until we’ve seen more travel and economic data from Canadian officials later this year,” a BTA spokesman said.

“However, historically speaking, when the Canadian or UK currencies are significantly down, the impact is reflected in travel numbers from that country.”

Second quarter tourism statistics released this week showed an 18 per cent decrease in the Canadian market, which supplies a significant number of the Island’s tourists.

Canada’s dollar, known fondly by Canadians as the “loonie” because of the loon icon on the $1 coin, has dropped to its lowest level in years.

It has fallen to 76 cents to the American dollar, to which Bermuda’s dollar is fixed. It is the first time it passed the 77 cent mark since 2009.

The slump has boosted Canada’s own tourist industry, as seen last month at the Pan Am Games in Toronto.