The Isle of Man Government’s Department for Enterprise has released exit survey data covering the 2019 TT last June and the Festival of Motorcycling — incorporating the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix — in August.
A total of 46,174 visitors came for TT in 2019, 4% up on the number in 2018 and the highest figure recorded since these surveys began. Headcount peaked on Mad Sunday, reaching 28,188.
On average, TT visitors stayed for 6.8 nights and spent £801 on the trip. Their total expenditure was an estimated £37.5m. This represented a contribution to Manx national income of £27.1m and an exchequer benefit of £4.8m. Some 64.9% of them had visited the TT before, and 25.5% tend to visit the Island for other events such as Festival of Motorcycling and the Southern 100.
Last year’s Festival of Motorcycling attracted 16,019 visitors, a 5.1% year-on-year increase and 80% higher than 2009, when this event was first surveyed. The average visitor stayed for 7.4 nights and spent £717 on the trip. Total expenditure by visitors was estimated at £11.4m. This represented £8.3m towards Manx national income and an exchequer benefit of £1.5m.
69.8% had visited the Island previously for the Festival, and 62.9% tend to visit for other Manx bikesport events such as TT and Southern 100. 69% came from England, with 13% from the rest of the British Isles — including the Republic of Ireland — and 18% from further afield.
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