DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAILS SUCCESSFUL 2011 TT RACES AND REVEALS INCREASED ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF THE EVENT The Department of Economic Development has revealed the growing impact and contribution that the TT Races deliver to the local economy through an increase in visitor numbers as well as a significant rise in the commercial income that the event generates. It also noted the increasing global audience through more on-line visitors and improved television distribution for the 2011 Races. Based on the figures from the 2010 Isle of Man Government Treasury Survey*, the event 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 2010 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 include 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 their ‘TT Challenge’. The corporate hospitality programme also reported a 60% growth in number of guests compared with 2010 while seats in the TT Races 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 that 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, with more than 80 countries now taking the fully branded Isle of Man shows. New territories that took all programming are Spain (Nitro); Germany (Sport1); Sub Saharan Africa (SuperSport) and British Forces Broadcasting alongside incubent 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. The official TT website iomtt.com has attracted record numbers of visitors in 2011 as fans worldwide not only keep up to date with event information and news but also follow the live results and timing service TTLive during qualifying and races and listen on-line to the Manx Radio TT Commentary. Throughout the two week festival iomtt.com reported 1.4 million visits from over 800,000 visitors from 201 different countries, a 149% increase on 2010. This year 359,535 fans have used the TTLive service during the TT, which represents an increase of 423.75% on last year. During the last 8 months, the event has also used social networking to reach its fanbase with over 55,000 fans now on its Official Facebook page. A fun-filled package of events entertained TT fans and residents Island-wide. There was action North, East, South and West, 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. Minister for the Department of Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK is pleased that so many chose to attend. He 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 who make an enormous contribution to the successful running of the event.” Member for the Department of Economic Development responsible for Tourism, Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, 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”. Ends