Global Tourism Resilience Conference 2025

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett called for global tourism stakeholders to embrace digital technologies to build industry resilience at the opening of the 3^rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference & Expo, held from February 17-19, 2025, at the Princess Grand Jamaica, Hanover.

Palladium Groundbreaking

At the groundbreaking ceremony in Hanover recently, Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailed the Palladium Hotel Group’s 950-room expansion project as a resounding vote of confidence in the Jamaican government and its growth agenda.

Red Stripe Experience at Rick's Cafe

In January, Minister Bartlett welcomed the opening of the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café in the famed Negril Westend, highlighting its use of art, music and digital displays to showcase the iconic brew's history and authentic Jamaican culture.

Princess Ribbon Cutting

In December, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett officially opened the Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica in Green Island, Hanover. This US$400 million luxury all-inclusive resort is set to include Jamaica's first full-service casino in 2025.

Jamaica and Spain to Sign Strategic Tourism Partnership MOU

Following the annual strategic meeting with Inverotel, a prominent Spanish hotel investment group, held in January in Spain, Minister Bartlett successfully negotiated enhanced labour market arrangements for Jamaica's tourism workforce. These improvements specifically target housing, professional development and retirement security.

Latest News

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, announces that a "Local First" policy is coming that will require investors to partner with communities. He was speaking on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at an event celebrating the completion of the first phase of Vista Montego Bay Resort and the groundbreaking for phase two. The $100 million luxury mixed resort-style residential development is situated on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.

"Local First" Policy to Guide Jamaica's Tourism Investments – Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thursday, August 14, 2025: As Jamaica’s pivot toward the luxury tourism market gains momentum, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is reinforcing his strong commitment to a policy that ensures local communities directly benefit from these new developments. He expressed delight that the government has been attracting premium investments, with groundbreaking ceremonies for over US$3.5 billion in tourism developments in the last three months alone. While not disclosing specifics, he mentioned he had just finalized discussions on two more "mega billion-dollar investments."

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre) leads in the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, August 11, 2025. He is joined by (from left), Custos of St. James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin; Vice President, Moon Palace Resorts, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Islands, Clifton Reader; Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur; Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams.

Moon Palace The Grand Is “A Partnership Made in Heaven” - Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Tuesday, August 12, 2025: With construction of Jamaica’s most elaborate resort development about to take off, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has hailed plans for the US$700 million, 1,200-room Moon Palace The Grand as “a partnership made in heaven.” Features of the development were given at yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the 33-storey ultra-modern hotel by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur. Upon completion, The Grand resort will employ 3,000 people to take care of 1,200 luxurious suites, including overwater bungalows, with more than 13 speciality restaurants, a unique waterpark and the largest spa in the country. According to Mr. Chapur, “It will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the Caribbean, while honouring the culture and spirit of Jamaica.”

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) participates in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the long-awaited US$1-billion Harmony Cove Development in Trelawny. Minister Bartlett shares a light moment with (from left) Minister of State, Ministry of Tourism, Senator the Hon. Delano Seiveright; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill; Trelawny Northern MP, Tova Hamilton and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.

Harmony Cove Development Strong Vote of Confidence in Tourism Sector - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, July 24, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has hailed the move by investors to forge ahead with the long-awaited Harmony Cove Development in Trelawny, as a strong vote of confidence in Jamaica’s booming tourism sector. The US$1-billion project will provide world-class luxury accommodation with 1,000 rooms and a full-service casino, as well as a host of amenities, including a championship Tiger Woods-designed golf course, a Justin Timberlake-developed entertainment venue, and a wide array of beach and marine activities.