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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Prime Minister Holness Encourages More Investments in Jamaica’s Tourism Product

MONTEGO Bay, Jamaica; April 15, 2019: Prime Minister Holness is inviting more investors to tap into development opportunities in Jamaica, particularly in the tourism industry as he believes the trajectory of the value of the industry is going to take off rapidly.

Bartlett commits J$300Million to Strengthen Community Tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thursday, April 11, 2019: Community Tourism island wide, will receive a major boost following the commitment of approximately J$300Million by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

Bartlett hosts Successful Community Meeting with Jamaican Diaspora in the UK

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 4, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says his recent meeting with key members of the Jamaican Diaspora in London was very successful.

Bartlett to Address Caribbean Council’s House of Lords Annual Reception

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 1, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett left the island yesterday to give the keynote address at the Caribbean Council’s House of Lords Annual reception in London. Minister Bartlett, who is representing Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, will also attend a key investment meeting.

Grange Pen to Get a J$960 Million Infrastructural Upgrade

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; March 30, 2019: The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is investing a little under $J1 billion for the Resort Squatter Settlements Upgrade Project for the community of Grange Pen in St. James.

Major Tourism Attraction to be developed around birthplace of Jimmy Cliff

MONTEGO BAY, St. James; March 29, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has indicated plans to fully develop the community of Somerton in St. James, where cultural icon Jimmy Cliff was born, as a major tourism attraction.

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