New Isle of Man Government research reveals economic impact of Manx Grand Prix

The findings of the first in a series of research projects, commissioned by The Isle of Man Government’s Department of Tourism and Leisure, into the contribution that Motorsport makes to the Island’s economy have been released following this year’s Manx Grand Prix Races.

2007 Lightweight Race winner, Sam Dunlop negotiates Union Mills

The wide-ranging study, developed in association with The Treasury’s Economic Affairs Division (EAD) is designed to develop a greater understanding of the impact and importance of a number of Motorsport events so that their economic contribution can be properly reviewed and evaluated.

The first survey has revealed that this year’s Manx Grand Prix attracted 8,915 visitors to the Isle of Man in 2009 of which the majority, 8,055, travelled by sea. Each visitor spent around £551 during their visit, which lasted an average of 7.3 days, making an overall contribution of £4.9 million to the Island’s economy (and contributing income of approximately £800,000 to Isle of Man Government).

The study also revealed that the North West of England provided the highest number of visitors with 1,970 followed by the Midlands and the South East. The highest number of international visitors came from Australia and Germany with 124 and 113 respectively.

According to the survey, the recently developed classic programme of the MGP proved popular with fans, with a large number expressing their interest in the programme and stating that it was one of the reasons for their visit to the Manx Grand Prix. The event’s enduring popularity was also shown by the fact that over 70% of visitors have been before and over 50% come every year, giving the event a loyal fan base.

The survey’s results will allow the Department of Tourism and Leisure to work with their various partners in these events to ensure that they can be developed to best meet the requirements of local residents and visitors.

Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure commented:

“The research has given us a really good insight into the Manx Grand Prix. We will now look to work with our partners at the Manx Motor Cycle Club to develop the popular areas of the event so that we are able to encourage more visitors to attend and increase the contribution that the event makes to the Island’s economy.”

The research programme will be extended to the TT races in 2010 so that a greater understanding of the event and economic contribution be gained from that event as well.

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I have just read the survey conducted into the visitors to the mgp and on first glance the figures are promising.Over £4.9 million injected into the local economy is welcome news and hopefully will increase as more real roadrace fans come to sample the delights of not only the races but all the island has to offer in August/September.
Some serious thought should be encouraged into promoting this event to existing roadrace fans and motorcycle enthusiasts alike to build on the current nucleus of loyal fans who should be respected for their enthusiasm and support of the MGP.

Buzzin' Dave

 I read with interest of the financial input to the IOM economy quoted per person visiting the 2009 MGP.
As an every year visitor to the MGP I actually witnessed the interviews being undertaken adjacent to the IOM Douglas Steam Packet terminal building and to be perfectly honest I cannot equate to the figures you quote as 551 pounds per person.
To put things in perspective:-  my small family ferry fares ( including vehicles), were more than 1000pounds, accommodation cost 1000pounds, food costs were quite high, fuel costs were 50pounds per day, = 750pounds ( my son was racing in 2 classes of the MGP.)
People I have spoken to, who were at the 2009MGP, have read the report and are equally as mystified as I am as to the low `per head` figures which have been presented.
As I am an enthusiast of the MGP and the Isle of Man I feel that the future interaction between sport and the population will be enhanced if residents get a more accurate analysis/reporting of the MGP benefits to the community.
Very best regards,

Geoffrey
Maputo,
Mozambique.