Like Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a decline in tourist numbers in recent years.

And after identifying the lack of overseas marketing as one of the reasons behind a five-year slump, the private sector has joined forces with government to tackle the issue.

In much the same way as Bermuda Tourism Minister David Allen set up a private sector "conduit'' group to come up with a recovery strategy plan for the industry, so the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (AHTA) has come up with its own plan.

Now two percent of the 8.5 percent hotel occupancy tax collected is diverted into a special account, to be matched dollar for dollar by the private sector, to fund marketing.

Cynthia Simon, executive director of the AHTA, said so far they were two thirds toward their $3 million target.

"Generally, over the last five years, we have seen a decline. We believe one of the reasons was that there was not enough marketing,'' she said.

"We decided it had to be a top priority. Tourism is the major industry. I don't think the type of priority that should be given is given to it.'' Ms Simon said the island had lost its way in recent years. Having worked hard to build up a reputation, it then lost ground as the rest of the Caribbean overtook it.

In the first three months of this year, according to Caribbean Tourism Organisation statistics, the island saw an overall ten percent drop in visitors.

And as it bids to re-establish themselves, couples, and, in particular, honeymooners will be the main target.

Antigua has a Sandals resort and is popular for destination weddings. Unlike some Caribbean islands, it also has casinos.

"We are a pretty much unspoilt island, providing what couples and honeymooners are looking for -- a relaxing holiday,'' said Ms Simon.