As the Island looks forward to the annual TT Races, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has confirmed that it has arranged round the clock services to bring the annual army of motorcycle fans to the Festival. The event takes place from the 26th May until the 8th June 2012.
As it does each year, the Company is operating numerous extra sailings and there are an additional 43,600 seats available on crossings scheduled over this TT fortnight. The Company is gearing up for 24-hour operations during the period by recruiting extra crew and shore staff to ensure everything runs smoothly.
It is offering an extra third return sailing daily with its vessel ‘Manannan’ and additionally it has chartered another fastcraft, ‘P&O Express’, which, as during previous years, will operate sailings to and from Larne.
The additional capacity has been available to book since last TT and forward bookings for TT 2012 are currently up 5% on 2011 equivalent, which is encouraging given that last year was the Centenary of the TT Mountain Circuit. The Steam Packet Company envisages that this is likely to be the fourth consecutive growth in motorcycle arrivals.
Mark Woodward, Steam Packet Company Chief Executive, said:
'The TT Taster for £99 return has assisted in growing numbers during Practice Week specifically but the main reason for this 5% growth to date must no doubt be due to the improved TV coverage, the cinema blockbuster ‘TT Closer to the Edge’ and the popularity of the event.
‘We have to cater for as many vehicles during the TT as are carried in the previous five months of the year, which is always a logistical challenge. The extra sailings enable our Company to maintain a 'round the clock' service as we transport TT fans from all over the world to the Island to share in this unique and exciting event.’
Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, Political Member for the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism, welcomes the additional availability. He said:
‘We are very pleased that the Isle of Man Steam Packet is providing extra capacity during the TT Festival which is our busiest time of the year. Without the support and commitment of the Company, and indeed all our industry partners, we would be unable to accommodate so many of the TT visitors who head to the Isle of Man each year to experience the most prestigious motorcycle festival in the world.
‘The Island is looking forward to welcoming fans from around the globe and looks forward to an exciting fortnight of great racing and world-class entertainment.’
This year there is an exciting agenda of events lined up for the TT Festival and visitors are promised a bumper week of fun and action. Race week will see the ever popular stunts, displays, big screen entertainment and spectacular firework display on Douglas Promenade. Check out the Isle of Man TT official website www.iomtt.com for all the latest news and www.steam-packet.com for sailing details.
