Ferry passenger figures demonstrate popularity of TT races

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has released its passenger numbers for the 2019 TT, with figures confirming the popularity of the world-famous event.

Latest statistics from the Company show a 6% passenger increase for the 2019 festival with more than 35,900 passengers and in excess of 13,500 motorcycles travelling to the island between May 22nd and 7th June.

The period saw growth across the board with more cars and vans being transported compared to the 2018 event, with a rise of 5%. The number of motorcycles travelling also rose by 2%.

Both Steam Packet Company vessels Ben-my-Chree and Manannan have been facilitating a round-the-clock timetable to carry visitors to the Isle of Man.

Additional freight capacity was provided by MV Arrow, which allowed more space for vehicles and passengers on Ben-my-Chree.

Initial bookings for the 2020 event are also looking strong with more than 13,000 passengers securing a deposit booking within the first three days of TT Deposit bookings opening on 20th May (compared to just under 12,000 during the same period in 2018).

Mark Woodward, Chief Executive of the Steam Packet Company, said:

"Demand to travel to the island for the TT remains popular, and continues to grow. When bookings opened for the 2020 festival, we handled more than 4,400 bookings on the first day, with steady levels of bookings following on subsequent days.

With the new Sea Services Agreement now in place, the Company is well positioned to deliver significant improvement in vessels and infrastructure in the years to come. The continued investment has the potential to lead to additional capacity during the TT and Festival of Motorcycling.

Overall, these figures show the TT’s continued attraction for motorcycling race fans and we look forward to welcoming many more motorcycling enthusiasts to the island in 2019 and beyond."