THE State Government plans to make its first major investment in attracting Indian tourists to WA, including appointing a full-time marketing representative in Mumbai.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia will announce details of the investment on a visit to India this week. But the early focus will be built around cricket.

A co-operative marketing deal has been struck with Thomas Cook, offering travel packages to Perth for the first cricket Test match at Optus Stadium in December.

“Our extraordinary State has much to offer Indian travellers, whether they’re visiting for business, education or leisure,” Mr Papalia said.

“But the only thing Indians currently know about Western Australia is that the WACA has a bouncy wicket.”

Just like the Chinese, more of India’s growing middle-class is looking to travel.

Despite the lack of direct flights, about 28,200 Indians visit WA each year and spend $68 million.

This has the potential to increase significantly with direct flights, and Mr Papalia will be speaking to six Indian airlines during his visit.

“The State Government is serious about growing WA’s tourism industry and entering a new market such as India, with the potential to deliver thousands more visitors, will help us achieve that goal,” he said.

“We are working with Perth Airport to secure a direct air link between Perth and India and this marketing activity will help promote WA and create even greater demand for these flights once they begin.”

The new Mumbai marketing post will be similar to positions in other key markets, including Japan, China, Germany, Britain and the US.