Boosting Scotland’s tourism industry could be the key to the country’s economic recovery.

Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Minister Jim Mather said businesses in the sector could "bring real economic benefits" to both their own local areas and the whole of Scotland amid the continuing downturn.

The minister was speaking ahead of a visit to the Scotland’s Heartland project on Thursday, which includes a number of businesses in the Falkirk and Linlithgow area.

The VisitScotland backed scheme offers couples on a £250 short break £75 worth of vouchers, which can be used at local attractions including the Falkirk Wheel, or to pay for hotel spas or rounds of golf.

Speaking ahead of a visit to meet those behind the innovative project, Mr Mather said: "I am looking forward to seeing this fantastic project that I am sure will help attract tourists to the area to discover all the attractions it has to offer.

"Tourism has a key role to play in ensuring Scotland continues its recent return to economic growth. By working together and developing innovative ideas like this, tourism businesses can flourish and bring real economic benefits to their local area and the whole of Scotland.

"I am delighted VisitScotland is supporting Scotland's Heartland and I am sure it will deliver real success over the course of the summer and beyond."

On Wednesday, Mr Mather revealed that the rise in Brits taking ‘staycations’ in the UK has helped Scotland’s tourism industry during the "tough" economic period.

Almost 12.5 million visitors from within the UK took a trip to Scotland last year, generating around two thirds of the industry’s £4billion contribution to the country’s economy.