TT Live! use increases by 400% during 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy
The official website of the Isle of Man TT, iomtt.com, has received record numbers of visitors, it has been revealed.
Figures released by the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development reveal more race fans worldwide than ever have made use of the website not only keep up to date with event information and news, but also to follow the live results and timing service TT Live! during the 2011 TT fuelled by Monster Energy and to listen on-line to the Manx Radio TT commentary.
During the two week TT festival this year, iomtt.com received 1.4 million visits from more than 800,000 unique users in 201 countries.
That’s an increase of 149% on the visitor figures record during the TT fortnight in 2010.
This year 359,535 fans used TT Live! during the TT, which represents a massive increase of 423.75% on 2010.
During the last 8 months, the event has also used social networking to reach its fanbase with more than 55,000 fans now on its Official Facebook page.
The figures were released alongside details of the Isle of Man Government Treasury Survey of the TT races. The survey revealed the growing impact and contribution the TT delivers to the local economy through an increase in visitor numbers as well as a significant rise in the commercial income the event generates.
It also noted the increasing global audience through more on-line visitors and improved television distribution for the 2011 Races.
The survey showed the 2011 TT attracted 37,700 visitors, an increase of 6,700 (21.7%) over 2010, with air traffic up 12.6%, sea passengers up 6.7% and motorcyclists up 5.5%.
The survey assessed that every visitor was worth an average of £620, making an overall contribution of £23,374,000 to the economy, an increase of £4,374,000 in comparison with 2010.
The 2011 TT Races Commercial Programme also saw a marked increase with sponsorship income up 34%. New sponsors included Dunlop, SES, and Bennetts, with many committed to long-term deals. New Official Car Partner Subaru also provided a number of cars for official race duties, as well as completing a high profile closed road lap of the course with rally star Mark Higgins as part of the ‘TT Challenge’.
The corporate hospitality programme also reported a 60% growth in guest numbers compared with 2010, while seats in the TT Grandstand on Glencrutchery Road also sold out on all four race days.
The event now generates around £1.3 million of commercial income, which is invested back into the cost of running the event by the Isle of Man Government, reducing contribution required from the public purse.
The racing programme saw five different winners in the six solo races and enjoyed increased television figures with North One TV and ITV4 reporting show ratings have more than doubled year-on-year. The TT shows were consistently in the top five of multi-channel programming throughout race week.
North One produced 14 hours of original programming for ITV4, with 11 hours of programming for international broadcasters, and more than 80 countries now taking the fully branded Isle of Man shows.
New territories include Spain (Nitro); Germany (Sport1); Sub Saharan Africa (SuperSport) and British Forces Broadcasting alongside long term broadcast deals in Australia (Network Ten/One HD) and USA (Discovery Channel).
In addition, Channel 7 Australia, ABC Network in the United States and BBC Breakfast News are making special features. BBC Radio Five Live also broadcast a live programme from the TT Grandstand featuring leading riders past and present.
A fun-filled package of events entertained TT fans and residents Island-wide, including two performances by the Red Arrows and, as a grand finale to say goodbye to TT 2011, the visit of a spectacular Vulcan and a fantastic firework display in Douglas Bay.
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell said:
“Whilst there are always areas for continuous improvement, I am very pleased with the visitor numbers and the increase in commercial income from the TT races.”
“It’s excellent news for everyone who works on the event and the Isle of Man economy as a whole, and is tribute to everyone involved, including my department and the Departments of Infrastructure and Home Affairs, which make an enormous contribution to the successful running of the event.”
Department of Economic Development member responsible for tourism Geoff Corkish added:
“TT 2011 was without doubt a resounding success thanks to a huge commitment from so many groups and individuals who volunteer enormous time and effort to it. I thank the racers, marshals and officials, carriers, retailers, caterers and associated clubs and sponsors who all played so great a part in the event and not forgetting the truly outstanding TV and media coverage that brings this fantastic spectacle to millions more.”
“Returning TT fans from all over the world will leave our Island with glowing memories of their visit here ready to return next year for the greatest road racing motor cycle event in the world.”