The Steam Packet Company has released final passenger numbers for this year's TT.

They match last year's high, with 35,000 passengers and 11,500 motorbikes brought to the Island on ferries between May 22 and June 7.

Last year was the company's busiest year for a decade aside from the 2007 centenary, an achievement Packet Chief Executive Mark Woodward describes as an 'encouraging sign and evidence of the TT’s continued attraction for motorcycling race fans.'

Mr Woodward says the crucial figure is the number of bikes carried, as passenger figures include all inbound numbers, including residents.

Advance bookings for the new-look Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling encompassing the Manx Grand Prix, are currently up by 24 per cent on bookings at this point last year for MGP 2012.

Currently 500 motorcycles are booked and Mr Woodward has promised the company will do everything it can to ensure bookings remain strong.