Shimla, Aug 18 - Himachal Pradesh will set up security force especially to assist and guide tourists, state Tourism Secretary Manisha Nanda said Tuesday.

Speaking at the inter-state regional conference of the tourism ministers in New Delhi, she said the tourist security force would act as a bridge between the tourists and the local police.

'A draft proposal for the formation of the tourist security force has been prepared. For this, the union tourism ministry has to provide liberal financial assistance,' an official statement said.

Regarding starting heli-taxi services, the tourism secretary said the government was planning to start heli-taxis in the state.