The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company saw further growth in passenger numbers during the 2014 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling.

Compared with the 2013 event, there was an 11% increase in the number of motorcycles brought to the Island during the Festival, from 3,324 to 3,697.

Passenger numbers were also up, by 1,100 to 29,460 – the highest number for this fortnight in more than a decade. There was also a small increase in the number of cars and vans carried.

It continues a positive trend for passenger figures this summer, which included the busiest TT period since the Centenary in 2007 and a 6% increase in July passenger numbers compared with 2013.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We are delighted to report that we have seen a steady growth in passenger numbers over the summer, and especially to see the Festival of Motorcycling going from strength to strength.

‘It is good news for the Island that more and more people are travelling, and the substantial increase in visitors during the Festival fortnight shows it is firmly establishing itself as a highlight of the Isle of Man’s tourism year.’

He added: ‘The Steam Packet Company is pleased to have played its part in assisting with that growth and supporting the Festival, not only in terms of providing transport for visitors but also directly, such as our backing of the popular “Joey Dunlop Road Racing Legend - The Rivals' Parade Lap sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company”.

‘Looking to the future, we have already seen extremely high levels of interest in both the TT and Festival of Motorcycling for 2015, and are progressing our plans to introduce a temporary mezzanine deck for Manannan, which will allow even more people to travel here with their motorcycles.’

Photograph: Jim Dunlop prepares to lead away the Joey Dunlop Road Racing Legend - The Rivals’ Parade Lap sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company - Stephen Davison, Pacemaker Press International.