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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Global Resilience Centre to Open in October

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 08, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre is scheduled to open by the first week in October at a newly refurbished J$27 million facility housed at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Bartlett Charges CHICOS to Encourage Investment in Experiences

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 8, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says for the Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Summit (CHICOS) to be truly relevant to the region it must look beyond investments in accommodation and encourage investment in experiential marketing arrangements that will keep the Caribbean competitive and cutting edge at all times.

Hotel Room Boom sparks Investments

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tuesday, April 30, 2019: Jamaica is being prepared for a boom in hotel rooms over the next five years. It is expected that 12,000 new rooms will be added to existing room stock over that period, brining millions of US dollar investment to the island.

Bartlett Named PATWA Advisor

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 18, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has accepted an invitation to become an advisor to international travel writers’ group — Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA).

Bartlett Pumps J$200Million into Linkages Networks

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday April 17, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has committed $200Million to the Linkages Networks to help build out more products to enhance the visitor experience and ensure more inclusive growth in the sector.

Bartlett: Use Art For Community Renewal

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 16, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has challenged the local art community to take art out of the educational institutions and art galleries and into Jamaica’s inner city communities as a vehicle of social and economic renewal.

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