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Total expenditure up, but visitors down. Is this all accounted for by a change in the nature of the calculation, or is the TT really becoming more and more expensive? There do seem to be more opportunities being created to spend money. I think the IOM needs to watch this lest they price themselves out. Ot has become a very expensive family holiday for us, mainly driven by the ferry costs. Not just the ticket, but £11 for burger and chips in the cafe on board!!

Interesting report, I wonder if the slight reduction in numbers is due to do the poor weather in 2017 and whether that will be redressed in 2019 after the sunshine of 2018 - Time will tell

The increase in spend will be affected by inflation, but also a higher proportion of visitors coming from further afield (not from UK/Ireland) adding to increased travel costs. There is also an increase in accomodation spend, that may also have been as a result of those coming from afar relying on package deals. It could be people preferring not to camp due to aforementioned 2017 weather, therefore spending more on hotels/b&b/homestay that may also affect the 'on island' spend as people may eat out more if not camping

Well, enough of my theories & speculation - Roll on TT 2019

Indeed. Too many variable factors for the data to actually be of any use. A 1% reduction across a limited sample size doesn't really tell us anything. Still a great event.

I added my visit up and it's nearer a grand with ferry, digs, petrol and food.... Worth every penny

The one stat that struck me most was this:

First time visitors: 36.5%
2 - 5 visits: 32.8%
6 or more visits: 30.7%

I was really surprised to see first timers making up such a large proportion of the visitors. Or maybe it was first timers who were motivated to respond and old hands couldn't be bothered.