The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, in conjunction with Isle of Man Tourism, has launched a campaign highlighting the Island as a holiday destination for motorcycle fans this autumn.
The campaign is targeting bikers throughout September, and includes a prize draw offering the winner a two-night stay in a Sleepwell Hotel, with free return ferry travel courtesy of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and a tour of the TT course with Isle of Man Trike Tours.
Among motorcycle fans, the Isle of Man is famous for road races like the TT and Manx Grand Prix, which this year formed part of the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling alongside the Classic TT and other events. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is a committed supporter of the sport, bringing over tens of thousands of fans every year and sponsoring races and supporting events at the MGP, Classic TT and Southern 100 on the Billown course.
The autumn initiative is aimed at highlighting the Island as a destination outside the races, when visitors can explore more of what the Isle of Man has to offer.
Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: “We, and our colleagues at Isle of Man Tourism, are very excited about this campaign.
“The Isle of Man is already being highlighted as a destination of choice for specialist interests, such as mountain biking, heritage transport, hiking and cycling. It makes perfect sense to highlight to our many thousands of visitors who come here during events like the TT that there is much more to the Isle of Man than they have seen.
“During race periods, the Isle of Man is busy, there are special events Island-wide and visitors have a tough time fitting everything into their hectic schedules, never mind trying to explore more of the Island.
“For those that have been before to enjoy the racing, visiting this autumn is an opportunity to see parts of the Isle of Man they may never have had the chance to visit before. For those who have never been able to get to the TT, this is a great chance to finally see for themselves the legendary Mountain course and take in the famous landmarks, and perhaps do some research as they plan a trip to the TT, Southern 100 or Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling.
“It is a chance to experience the Island’s unique motorsport heritage away from the crowds, get a ‘taste of the action’ with off-road riding, quad bikes and go-karting, take in the stunning scenery, ride the course at their own pace and see much more of the Isle of Man.
“We hope our competition receives lots of entries, and look forward to greeting true motorcycle fans when they visit the Isle of Man this autumn.”
Isle of Man Government’s Head of Tourism Angela Byrne added: “More than 100 years of motorcycling heritage already brings tens of thousands of visitors to the Isle of Man every year for our road racing events.
“We are keen to build on that relationship with our friends in the biking community to promote the attractions the Island has to offer and continue developing the Isle of Man as a year-round holiday destination.
“I’m delighted to be working closely with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on this campaign, which I’m sure will raise the profile of the Island as an autumn destination for motorcycle enthusiasts.”
Photo: Motorcycles at the iconic Ballaugh Bridge on the famous TT course
