AIRPORT expansion and preserving Scotland's natural heritage will play a major part in the country's tourism industry.

Scotland's minister in charge of planning for large scale developments visited two sites crucial to both areas.

Derek Mackay Local Government and Planning minister heard the ambitious expansion plans when he visited Glasgow Airport.

It is looking to extend and refurbish the terminal buildings, and improve the runway and aircraft stands and taxiways.

But access for passengers is still a crucial issue following the scrapping in 2009 of the planned Glasgow Airport Rail Link plan by the Finance Minister, John Swinney.

Mr Mackay also took a trip to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park where many of the airport's inward passengers stay during their visit.

The airport plans are part of the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 3 project to guide future planning decisions on a range of sectors including transport, energy and infrastructure.

Mr Mackay said: "From preserving our areas of natural importance to facilitating investment in infrastructure, planning has a key role in supporting the Government's purpose of sustainable economic growth.

"The consultation on the National Planning Framework and Scottish Planning Policy will influence development plans across the country for the next 30 years, affecting every part of Scotland.

"By providing a clear vision, the proposals will be used to guide future development that will help Scotland achieve its ambitious climate change targets, ensure we have resilient national infrastructure and also increase protection for our country's most environmentally important areas.

"I launched the consultation on the NPF3 and draft SPP on April 30 and I would encourage the people to have their say before the closing date of July 23."

At the airport Mr Mackay met Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, who outlined the future vision for the hub as it bids to grow passenger numbers and attract more routes and airlines.

Earlier this year, Glasgow Airport announced details of a £17million investment programme which will see key parts of the main terminal building undergo a major makeover.

This includes international arrivals, which for many visitors will be the gateway to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Ms McMillan, said: "Not only is Glasgow Airport one of the largest employers in Renfrewshire, supporting in excess of 4500 jobs, it is the West of Scotland's primary link to economic markets and is therefore pivotal to its future success.

"The airport is also rightly recognised as an asset of strategic national importance and I welcome our inclusion in Scotland's third National Planning Framework."

At Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the Planning Minister visited the site of the Ben Arthur resort at Arrochar, which is due for competition in 2015.

During his visit Mr Mackay was given insight into the approaches the park is taking to facilitate tourism development and discussed how NPF3 could support the development and promotion of key scenic areas within the Park.