Open-top tour specialist City Sightseeing has marked its earlier return to Bath with the hosting of a celebratory reception on 27 May, attended by key members of the city’s tourism industry.
Also present were representatives of First Bus, which has become a local operating partner in Bath. A spokesperson for City Sightseeing Bath has confirmed that First Bus and City Sightseeing each now provide half of the buses and drivers used on the tour.
City Sightseeing was granted a five-vehicle O-Licence in late 2025, and began operating tours under its own brand in the city in January after a four-year absence. At the same time, Bath Bus Company – which had come into First Bus ownership towards the end of 2025 – was running tours under the Tootbus Bath brand.
The spokesperson notes how following City Sightseeing commencing its in-house operation, talks commenced with First Bus around working together under the City Sightseeing brand. Agreement was reached, and the Tootbus identity came to an end on 27 March. The City Sightseeing/First Bus partnership started the following day.
“First Bus provides 50% of the buses and 50% of the drivers, and executes a maintenance agreement, but all is delivered under the City Sightseeing brand,” says Head of Commercial Victoria Mather.
The 27 May reception was held at The Ivy Brasserie. Hotels, travel agencies, attractions, public sector organisation and other key stakeholders were present. Guests learned more about City Sightseeing’s plans for Bath and could discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Bath was one of the first destinations in the UK to operate under the City Sightseeing brand and has long been among the company’s most popular destinations for both domestic and international visitors, it says. The UK is City Sightseeing’s largest market and Bath is its 13th destination here.
