Manx rally 'reached 517m homes'

The event was televised across the world

The Total International Manx Rally was seen in 517m homes across the world, tourism bosses on the island have said.

As well as the UK and Europe, July's event was televised in countries including the USA, South America, the Middle East, Far East and Africa.

An estimated 90m homes were able to get news broadcasts on the rally in China alone, through the ESPN Asia Channel.

Tourism Minister David Cretney said the exposure would "reap rewards" for the island's tourist industry.

Mr Cretney said: "The total global airtime was equivalent to over 44 hours.

"You could not afford to pay for that amount of advertising."