Grand Prix ferry figures increase

The Manx Grand Prix was held in late August

More than 2,000 more visitors travelled by ferry to the Isle of Man for the recent Manx Grand Prix than two years ago, figures have shown.

In 2008 29,138 passengers travelled on the Steam Packet ferries for the event, compared to 26,527 in 2006.

The figures for 2007 were 28,905, but were accepted to have been boosted by the TT centenary year.

More than 300 more vehicles and 400 more motorcyles were carried during the Grand Prix 2008, compared to 2007.

Mark Woodward, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company chief executive, said: "It would be almost impossible to match the number of visitors we had in 2007, as these would have been boosted by the TT centenary.

"However, compared to 2006, Manx Grand Prix 2008 figures show a substantial increase in ferry passengers and vehicles.

"Over the past decade motorbike numbers have increased 50% and are up 18% on 2006."