Focusing on tourism will help the town of St. George, but getting more people to set up shop in the east will generate even more business.

So believe Diane Gordon and Kirby Brackstone of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

Their comments followed a public meeting last week which saw debate on whether Town Cut should be altered to allow larger cruise ships into port.

Mayor of St. George Kenny Bascome said he believed getting cruise ships into the area would lead to a rise in visits from tourists and locals.

"I have always advocated that St. George's has got to properly function like a real economy," said Mr. Brackstone. "We have got to attract key business to really look to St. George's.

"The problem in my mind isn't the Town Cut as [it is] a general economic principle [of relying] on one industry. We're a one-industry town. That's the problem we're facing now. The viable solution in the long term is really to diversify the economy to attract small services that don't need to be in Hamilton."

Government could take the lead and move a department or agency into the town, said Mr. Kirby, the chairman of the chamber's East End Division.

"That acts really as an anchor so all these other service businesses pop up and can provide services to the entity.

"In Canada they have income tax processing centres in really remote areas it's that government commitment, an economic stimulus. Having a Government agency there would have an incentive for other businesses."

Mrs. Gordon agreed that cruise ships were only "one part of the equation" required for the old town to be restored to its heyday.

"It will also take a collaborative effort on the part of all organisations St. George's Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Government, businesses and the community to support the efforts and direction that the Corporation of St. George, under the leadership of Kenny Bascome and his team, are attempting to achieve.

"This is not just the responsibility of the St. George's Foundation or the Corporation of St. George but every Bermudian and resident should have a sense of pride that the Country has been appointed with such a designation. It is good for the Town of St. George and therefore is good for Bermuda overall."

Mrs. Gordon said the town would better benefit from one or two boutique hotels than a large one such as that now proposed for the old Club Med site.

"The same can be said about a cruise ship for St. George's," she said. "Yes, St. George's needs a cruise ship and no it does not need to be a large ship but something in line with the character of the town and a line that will be committed to the town going forward.

"So, simple recommendation, big is not always the answer but consistency and accuracy is. If St. George's had two smaller boutique hotels located within the town, a golf course in operation and a small cruise ship reflecting the needs of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, surely the activity and appearance of visitors utilising the services will also demonstrate confidence for businesses and encourage new entrepreneurs to take up stake in the east end."