News Releases

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.

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"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."

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Jamaica to Host First Ever Global Tourism Innovation Resilience and Crisis Management Summit in 2020

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 17, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica will be hosting an international conference on Tourism Innovation Resilience and Crisis Management next year in Montego Bay.

Jamaica Successful in Bid to Chair UNWTO’s Regional Commission for the Americas

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 17, 2019: Jamaica was yesterday selected to chair the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Americas (CAM) for the biennium 2019-2021.

Bartlett to Lobby for Jamaica to Chair the UNWTO’s Regional Commission for the Americas

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 14, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett departs the island today, to attend the 64th Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Americas (CAM) in Guatemala City - La Antigua, Guatemala. While there, he is expected to present Jamaica’s candidature for the chairmanship of CAM to the UNWTO for the biennium 2019-2021.

Minister Bartlett Extends Condolences to the family of Pishu Chandiram

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 13, 2019: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep regret at the passing of tourism and in-bond trade stalwart, Pishu Chandiram.

New Artisan Village part of Tourism Inclusive Growth Strategy

FALMOUTH, Trelawny; May 10, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says the artisan village being constructed at Hampden Wharf in Trelawny forms part of the overall inclusive growth strategy to increase earnings among local suppliers.

Tourism Workers’ Pension Bill to be Debated May 21

FALMOUTH, Trelawny; May 9, 2019: The long awaited Tourism Worker’s Pension Bill is one step closer to becoming a reality. This as Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says the pension bill will be debated on May 21.

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