Isle of Man TT visitor numbers set to rise again in 2012
Monday 21 November 2011
TT
Visitor numbers will be up for the 2012 Isle of Man TT, according to the Department of Economic Development.
There are positive early indications that next year’s TT is again set to see an increase in visitor numbers and economic contribution to the Manx economy.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has revealed motorcycle bookings are currently 10% up on last year’s figure, while a positive reaction was also received at last week’s Milan Bike Show for the proposed direct flight from Milan to the Isle of Man.
The 2009 Treasury survey estimated that every TT visitor contributed £620 to the Isle of Man’s economy.
Bookings for the TT Grandstand in Glencrutchery Road are also up compared with the same time last year and this year the department is expecting all seats to have been sold by Christmas, which will be the first time that seats have completely sold out the previous calendar year.
This week also sees the DVD release of the highly successful film TT3D: Closer to the Edge. The original cinema release saw the film hold a top 10 position for a number of weeks, as well as being one of the most successful box office documentaries of all time.
Isle of Man Tourism Political Member Geoff Corkish said:
“It looks likely that visitor numbers for the TT Races will again increase on this year’s figure, which is hugely positive for the Manx economy. A number of factors have clearly driven this, including the hard work from the Island’s hoteliers, travel operators and everyone associated with the event.”
“The high profile TT3D film has also made a significant contribution and I believe that we will feel the positive impact from this film for a number of years with the DVD release and ultimately when it goes onto satellite and terrestrial television.”
Meanwhile, the Steam Packer has also announced the popular TT Taster Offer is back.
The offer allows visiting fans to attend the TT Festival during the quieter Practice Week for just £99 for a motorcycle and rider. This offer price has been held for the third consecutive year and can be booked online.
For people also requiring accommodation, Steam Packet Holidays has joined forces with a number of Isle of Man hotels and have 3-night packages available from just £175 per person, which includes ferry travel with motorcycle and 3 nights’ bed and breakfast.
The TT Taster products are being promoted at the Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The Steam Packet Company will be represented at the show during the final weekend, when the Sunday (November 27) is dedicated to the TT.
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said:
“It is great that advance bookings for motorcycles are ahead of the same period last year and are indicative of the event’s increase in popularity. The TT Taster Offers have proved popular in the last couple of years and have helped boost visitor numbers during the festival’s quieter periods, therefore making a vital contribution to the local economy.”
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