The state government has announced $185 million in measures to boost businesses and attract tourists, international students and workers to Western Australia when the state's borders reopen.

Premier Mark McGowan told a business lunch the Reconnect WA plan would "ensure that WA businesses can succeed as we safely transition our borders."

He said "at this point" the transition plan to open borders was still proceeding, but the government would listen closely to advice on the new Omicron strain of COVID-19 at next week's National Cabinet meeting.

Eighty per cent of the state's population aged over 12 is expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the end of next week.

The vaccination rate currently stands at 87.1 per cent first dose and 76.2 per cent second dose for over-12s.

Money for flight routes

But the Premier said the state could not simply ease its border controls and expect tourists, airlines, students and workers to come flooding back.

"Our Reconnect WA package is designed as an immediate boost to ensure Western Australian businesses and industries have the competitive edge when we warmly welcome back vaccinated travellers," he said.

The package focuses on international education, airlines, tourism and sourcing skilled labour.

It includes $65 million for re-establishing pre-COVID flight routes to Perth and securing new direct routes to Perth from countries such as Germany, India, China and Vietnam. 

There will also be $10 million for more intrastate flights.

Marketing aimed at students, tourists

In an effort to brand WA as a safe destination, $65 million will be spent on marketing the state to international students, international and interstate tourists, and tourism agents.

"In addition, we will grow our campaigns to attract workers to WA with specific approaches for: crucial public sector workers like health staff and secondary teachers; skilled workers for industry, and; backpackers for hospitality and agriculture," Mr McGowan said.

To compete with other states, there will also be incentives to attract those students, workers and tourists.

The 'Stay and Play' campaign which offers discounts and vouchers for those that stay in participating hotels will be expanded.

The Government will also spend more to attract sporting events, such as visits from European Football and the UFC, as well as business events, to help fill Perth hotel rooms, bars and restaurants.

"There are many who will be shocked by the inevitable drop in business when our borders ease and Western Australians can travel abroad once more - contrary to what some people may expect," Mr McGowan said.

"So we must act now, to attract the necessary visitors to fill the gap." 

The Tourism Council WA said the Reconnect WA package was a good start but more funding would be needed to compete with other states also investing in attracting tourists, events and workers.

Council chief executive Evan Hall said it was critical the package was extended to help businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions.

However, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the package was the booster the economy needed, "especially for industries that have found the going particularly tough through this pandemic".