The TT races saw a big jump in the number of visitors this year.

Government figures released this week saw the festival figures soar 6.2%.

It meant that the number of visitors grew to more than 45,000.

The Department of Economic Development thinks they spent about £34.1 million, resulting in a contribution of £24.6 million to the local economy, growth of 8.9% and 9.3% respectively.

According to the DED, the majority of this growth was reported to have come from a younger audience with an increase of more than 40% in the under 18 audience and 36% in visitors between the age of 18 and 29.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Economic Development, said: ’This research is a strong indicator of the TT’s continuing appeal and potential to reach new audiences from around the world.

’The department is committed to maintaining the growth of the TT with the continued support of fellow government departments, volunteers and our fans at home.

’This collaboration is important not only to increase the economic contribution that the event delivers but also to ensure the safe delivery and continued success of the TT.’

The key findings of the 2017 study were:

· 45,054 visitors came for the TT in 2017 - a 6.2% increase on 2016.

· On average, visitors stayed 6.5 nights on the Island and spent £757 on the trip. Total expenditure of TT visitors in 2017 is an estimated £34.1 million. This represents a contribution to Manx National Income of £24.6 million and an Exchequer Benefit of £4.4 million.

· The event attracted new visitors as well as regular fans: 23% had not visited previously for the TT, while almost 24% also visited for other motorsport events such as the Festival of Motorcycling and the Southern 100.

· The number of visitors to the Island for TT peaked on Sunday 4th June reaching 26,600.

· More than 40 nationalities were picked up in the survey with the number of non-UK visitors increasing by 14.5% to an estimated 6,308. The bulk (85.9%) were from the UK and Ireland with 14.1% coming from outside the UK.

The full TT Visitor Survey 2017 is available here: https://www.gov.im/media/1358080/tt-survey-2017-report.pdf