Drop in MGP/Classic TT/Festival of Motorcycling visitors post-covid

Minister asked about figures going back to 2016

The number of visitors attending the Manx Grand Prix, Classic TT and Festival of Motorcycling has decreased in the last two years compared to meetings immediately before the Covid pandemic.

Based on passenger survey numbers, in 2023 there were 14,130 visitors to the August event and that rose slightly this year to 14,229.

However, it's a drop on levels recorded in all four years from 2016 to 2019.

The statistics from Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston are in response to a written Tynwald question from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper asking about visitor totals for the different versions of the August racing event in the last eight years.

In 2016 passenger surveys recorded 15,754 visitors with this then seeing a small rise the year after to 16,218.

This number then lowered in 2018 to 15,627 before another small lift to 16,019 in 2019.

No racing took place in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic whilst data for the 2022 Manx Grand Prix is not available.

Mr Johnston says this is due to 'changes in the passenger survey process following the resumption of unrestricted travel post COVID.'

He adds: "Whilst the visitor numbers above reflect simply those associated with the previous Manx Grand Prix, Classic TT and Festival of Motorcycling events, many will be repeat visitors who attend other motorsport events throughout the year and as such, there are broader benefits associated from having a series of attractive and appealing motorsport events, over and above what can be measured by considering these numbers in isolation."

In October this year it was announced the Classic TT will return in August 2025 alongside the Manx Grand Prix in an expanded 12-day race programme.

You can view the statistics in response to Mr Hooper's query HERE.