Shimla, March 11 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh will invite private players to operate helicopter taxis in the state, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said here Thursday.

'We are planning to invite private players to operate helicopter taxis on various routes after obtaining clearance from the Director General of Civil Aviation,' Dhumal said during question hour in the assembly.

The government had invited expressions of interest from private parties last year. Only three players had shown interest in starting the service.

'We have cancelled the previous tenders,' he said.

According to Dhumal, who holds the tourism portfolio, heli-skiing in Manali is getting a good response from the tourists.

'Due to lack of snowfall (in Manali area), there was no heli-skiing in 2007 and 2008. But since last year it has been regularly conducted. This year it will be conducted till March 27,' he said.

Known for its tourist spots, Himachal Pradesh has seen an increase in inflow of tourists. The state attracted 11,437,155 tourists, including 400,583 foreigners, last year. This year till Feb 28, 917,807 people had visited, Dhumal said.