TV coverage of the TT is a very good thing, good luck to the successful tender winners.

The Bathurst races in Australia are conducted over a mountain course, sadly no bikes now, but after they started televising the event live the crowd numbers increased. The old enthusiasts continued to come but a completely new TV generation of fans made the decision to come and see the event in the flesh. So Bathurst benefited by the TV rights income and the increased funds at the gate.
The IOM is slightly different, firstly it is free to watch but there is the barrier of travel to the Island. The TV income would seem to me to be almost essential for the continuation of the event; so, well done DOT if you have negotiated a lucrative deal.

One thing that has worried me for a long time now is that there seems to be a subtext in press releases and statements from the DOT which could indicate a marginalisation of the MGP. They say nice things about support etc but I just can’t help feeling there is an agenda to pacify the TT critics by sacrificing the MGP. Naturally I hope I am completely wrong (again). My feeling is that the longer you can spread the holiday attractions throughout the year the better for all parties. Equally the pre TT races and the Southern 100 encourage the extension of visitor stays.

With regard to tourist facilities not being adequate to cope with increased visitor numbers, then it is basic economics that if there is a demand in a market more players will see the opportunity and enter that market.