A new magazine to hit the world's news stands in March will aim to entice many more couples to venture to Bermuda to tie-the-knot.

And the local tourism industry is expected to benefit as demand for top-class weddings here -- and all the merry-making associated with them -- sky rockets.

The Royal Gazette is to join the project to provide local expertise alongside magazine publisher Leslie Hurd, it was announced yesterday.

It is expected that the glossy Bermuda Wedding & Honeymoon guide will be published twice a year to begin with, then perhaps seasonally.

Stunning pictures and articles will target East Coast American, Canadian and perhaps even British couples looking for a luxury destination to spend the many thousands of dollars required to hold a wedding.

But the magazine will also be available locally and have editorial content to interest Bermudian couples.

Royal Gazette General Manager Keith Jensen said the cooperation between local and overseas experts was needed to ensure the magazine achieved maximum possible success in attracting visitors from all over the world.

He said the huge interest and optimism shown by overseas magazine distributors meant the initial print run had been increased by 5,000 up to at least 20,000.

Anyone interested should contact Business Development Manager Bryce McGregor on 295 5881. Ms Hurd flew in to Bermuda on Tuesday to help train local staff.

"This is a very exciting project,'' she said yesterday. "The more information we can send out showing how beautiful Bermuda is, and explaining it's unique charm, the better it is for tourism here.

"We're tapping in to a whole market of people looking for somewhere just like this to come and celebrate one of the most important days of their lives.'' She said the Tourism Department had been very supportive of the magazine -- expected to be around 80 pages to start with -- which would be a complete guide for prospective parties.

"It's not just about wedding dresses. It's what to do, when to do it, how to plan for the big day, everything.'' Other planned features included photography, catering and flowers.

"And of course there is the honeymoon which is a tremendous opportunity for local operators,'' she said.

For seven years Ms Hurd has published Dining Out Guides and Wedding Guides on Martha's Vineyard where she has lived for the past 15 years.

But having been a regular visitor here several times a year, ever since she was just ten-years-old, Ms Hurd is certain Bermuda is one of the few places in the world that can compete with New England's charms.

"Bermuda has a very unique beauty, and as well as that it is an upmarket place,'' she said.

"There are so many couples who are looking for somewhere that has both of those features and our magazine is going to show them the high standard of Island weddings available.'' MATCH MAKERS -- Leslie Hurd and The Royal Gazette's General Manager, Keith Jensen, say the new Bermuda Wedding & Honeymoon guide will showcase the Island's unique scenery -- the perfect backdrop for any romantic wedding.

BUSINESS BUC TOURISM TOU