Ben Howlett, Member of Parliament for Bath, has welcomed the news that the City of Bath is one step closer to joining the series of World Heritage Spa towns, following a recent evaluation exercise.
The news comes after The Department for Culture Media and Sport ran a technical evaluation exercise assessing Bath as a possible UK component to the Great Spas of Europe transnational nomination.
The expert group found that Bath has the potential to make a substantial contribution to the Outstanding Universal Value of a transnational series of Spa Towns.
After hearing the news, Ben commented: “This is fantastic news and I am really pleased that DCMS will continue the development of the proposals for Bath to be nominated to join the other Great Spas of Europe.
“The Bath Spas are a beautiful centrepiece to our city and we are so fortunate to have them. International acclaim such as this will no doubt bring even more people to Bath so we can share the beauty of our spas.”
The Great Spas of Europe prides itself in being composed of the most important Spa towns in the world, which are a testament to the development of medicine.
The group represents spa activity, cultural exchange and the contribution to cultural development throughout Europe.
Each city the spa falls in must also meet the criteria of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ben added: “The inclusion of Bath as one of the Great Spas of Europe would ensure it is a must attend location for any international visitors interested in Spa towns.
“This level of prestige, seeing it stand next to famous spas in Germany, Austria and Italy, will undoubtedly attract more visitors to our city, bolstering the tourist economy.”
Tracey Crouch, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, said: “An expert group met on 3rd November 2015 and recommended that Bath does have the potential to make a substantial contribution to the Outstanding Universal Value of transnational series of Spa Towns.
“I agree with their advice and have given approval for the continued development of these proposals for the possible inclusion of Bath as a component of the nomination.
“I’m sure you will join me in supporting the possible inclusion of Bath in the series of World Heritage Spa towns and the resulting positive effect this is likely to have on Bath.”
