Mumbai, Apr 22 (IANS): The Maharashtra government will provide single window clearance of tourism and hospitality projects in a bid to develop the state as an important tourism destination.

Anand Kulkarni, principal secretary in the state tourism department, announced this at a tourism business conference here Wednesday.

Kulkarni said the state government will fast track all tourism-related projects.

The two-day conference saw the launch of "Visit Golden Maharashtra", an initiative of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and Maharashtra Economic Development Council (MEDC) to promote various segments of tourism through policy initiatives to commemorate the golden jubilee of the formation of the state.

The "Visit Golden Maharashtra" initiative, which will be a year-long event, would highlight the state's tourism potential and initiate development of supporting infrastructure.

"The state offers wildlife, rare flora, forests, a rich heritage of forts and ancient temples, mountains and even backwaters. The scope for adventure and eco-tourism are incomparable," said MEDC vice president Vinod Gupta.

The conference, inaugurated by Tourism Minister Vijay Kumar Gavit, discussed the challenges faced by the tourism industry and measures that are needed to be taken.