Bath, UK - 5th February 2014: YTL Hotels, owners of The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and Wessex Water, has taken on the operating contract of Thermae Bath Spa from Thermae Development Company. The mutually agreed deal will consolidate Bath's position in the UK and develop its standing as one of Europe's leading spa destinations. Jobs at the award winning Thermae Bath Spa, which employs more than 170 people, will be safeguarded.

Henk Verschuur, who has been involved with the successful operations of Thermae Bath Spa said, "This heralds the start of a very exciting future. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Thermae Bath Spa since opening and am confident that its future is in safe hands."

Colin Skellett, Chair of Bath Hotel and Spa Limited said, "This represents a further major investment by YTL and demonstrates their long term commitment to Bath. YTL Hotels has worldwide experience in managing spas and hotels and look forward to making a positive contribution to the future wellbeing of Bath. The strong Thermae Bath Spa brand, alongside the new 5-star hotel and spa will offer choice and add value to both businesses."

Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council asserted that, "This is great news for Bath.  It is a statement of confidence in the city of Bath and fulfils our ambition of boosting the local economy and securing jobs. It is a key element in the vision for Bath as a leading spa destination and an important building block in the creation of a spa quarter in the city."

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Handover of Thermae Bath Spa To YTL Hotels Successfully Completed

Key Information

The Gainsborough Bath Spa, a luxury 5 star hotel, will be opening in the heart of Bath in the summer of 2014. Centred around the exclusive facilities and wellness traditions of Spa Village Bath, the Gainsborough Bath Spa will be the only hotel in the UK which benefits from the mineral-rich, natural thermal waters. Featuring classic architecture and contemporary design, the hotel will have 99 guest rooms and suites, a top quality restaurant, private dining, conference and event facilities. Visit www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk for more information.

Thermae Bath Spa is a day spa in the centre of the World Heritage Site of Bath, combining the best of the historic spa with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. It offers bathing in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, including a spectacular open-air rooftop pool and the flowing curves of the indoor Minerva Bath. Also available are a series of aroma steam rooms and a range of over 40 spa treatments and packages. Visit www.thermaebathspa.com for more information.

Bath is Britain's leading spa destination whose natural thermal waters have been enjoyed for over 2,000 years by the Celts, Romans, Saxons and Georgians. In 1987, Bath was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for being a city of outstanding universal value and cultural significance. Today, Bath is renowned for its beautiful setting, rich heritage, classic architecture, top universities, independent shops and a wide choice of attractions, museums, theatres and festivals. Visit www.visitbath.co.uk for more information.

YTL Hotels is the parent company of The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and has links with Thermae Bath Spa dating back to 2003 when YTL presented the magnificent Three Tenors concert in front of the Royal Crescent to celebrate the revival of spa culture in Bath.

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003.

In July 2012, the company added Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold, while December 2012 saw the unveiling of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the second heritage jewel in the group's Classic Hotel collection.

With each new experience that it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information. For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com/mediagallery. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre directly in Malaysia, call +60 3 2783 1000 or email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my.

Contacts:

Peter Rollins, Thermae Bath Spa, PeterRollins@ThermaeBathSpa.com, 01225 328463

Marilyn Smith, Wessex Water, Marilyn.Smith@wessexwater.co.uk, 01225 526330,

Audra McSherry, Bath Tourism Plus, Audra_McSherry@bathtourism.co.uk, 01225 322434

James Hinchcliffe, Bath and North East Somerset Council, James_Hinchcliffe@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 477283

FOR YTL HOTELS MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Ms Aja Ng
Director of Public Relations               

Email: aja@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007

Ms Felicia Lee
Assistant Public Relations Manager
Email: felicia_lee@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007