Government is considering adding a one-cent tax on to every gasoline purchase in order to raise revenue for the Town of St. George.

Last night a Government spokesman projected the proposal could result in approximately $1.2 million raised annually for Bermuda's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The money would be used to maintain the town and surrounding fortifications.

Acting Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva said the proposal came about during discussions between St. George Mayor Kenneth Bascome and Premier Ewart Brown

"We are very pleased to be working with St. George's in this way," he said.

"The Mayor raised this and other issues with the Premier, and Cabinet were very receptive to these suggestions.

"We will continue to examine this and other proposals as we work to revitalise the Town of St. George's and maintain its focus as a prime location for our tourists."

Over the last year businesses in the town have complained of a lack of tourists.

Once popular attractions, such as the Carriage House restaurant, have closed their doors.

Many of the business collapses have been attributed to the drop in the number of cruise ships.

This year the Holland America ship Veendam was expected to make weekly visits to the historical area, however weather conditions have caused it to berth in Hamilton instead of anchoring off St. George's for several of its trips.