Tourism WA open office on east coast

Tourism WA will open shop again in Sydney after nearly seven years as part of moves to boost the industry's contribution to the sluggish state economy.

The office will represent the industry on Australia's east coast, which has been underperforming in other states.

The decision would lead to a direct increase in visitors from the eastern states to Western Australia, create jobs, develop business opportunities and diversify the economy, Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said on Thursday.

"The reality is, when it comes to eastern state residents making holiday decisions, we are competing with other states and international locations such as New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii," he said.

"We have a greater variety of accommodation at the lowest prices we've seen for ages, new infrastructure, a burgeoning food and wine scene, an exciting events calendar, spectacular regional destinations and unique experiences such as swimming with whale sharks and humpback whales."

The move comes after the government held a "consortium" with the industry last week and Premier Mark McGowan committing $425 million to tourism marketing and events over the next five years.