A GROUP trying to develop Scotland's tourism potential is calling on the Government to establish a new ministerial department to give the industry an injection of confidence.

The Scottish Tourism Forum, set up by a cross-section of interested parties, has contacted the steering group which is preparing the ground for the Scottish Parliament, pointing out that tourism contributes #2000m annually to the economy, employing 177,000 in the process.

Chairman Paul Murray-Smith, who is also managing director of Scottish Highland Hotels plc, says that there is already a strong working partnership with the Government and public agencies which is ''heading in the right direction''.

He is convinced, however, that the new Parliament will raise Scotland's profile internationally and provide new marketing opportunities which must be grasped.

The appointment of a Minister for Tourism is the forum's priority.

Mr Murray-Smith said: ''The vast majority of business coming to Scotland from foreign parts arrives here via London with Scotland being an add-on, and an expensive one to reach.

''There are likely to be increased demands for direct air and ferry links and a much greater volume of use on our roads network.

''Scotland's present priorities are much-needed improvements to the A1 across the Border and completion of the M74 upgrade. But better transport links to the Highlands are a must.''

He supports recently introduced training initiatives.

''People are the foundation and heart of our industry and are clearly the influencers of real quality.

''We want to put out the message that Scotland is clearly a world leader in culture, heritage, environment, and scenery. We must work in partnership to develop sustainable tourism for the future.''

The forum is convinced that the creation of a Minister is the one way to concentrate minds, and pull together the diverse aspects of policy which affect the tourism industry.

q The number of overseas visitors to Britain dipped in the first three months of the year, it was announced yesterday. The fall was mainly caused by Easter falling earlier last year than this year - a factor which boosted the figures for March last year.

There were 1.77 million foreign tourists in March 1998, a fall of 7% on the March 1997 figure of 1.96 million, said the Office of National Statistics. So far this year, 4.76 million overseas visitors have come to the UK, compared with 5.10 million in January-March 1997. Between January and March these visitors spent #2200m compared to #2300m in January-March 1997.