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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Spanish Investors on board with Training and Pension Scheme

MADRID, Spain; January 27, 2019: The largest block of Spanish Hoteliers and Investors, Inverotel, has indicated they are fully on board with training through the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) as well as the Ministry's pension scheme.

Jamaica Scores Big With Travvy Tourism Awards

NEW YORK, New York; January 24, 2019: Less than two months after Jamaica swept the World Travel Awards in Portugal, the island nation scored big at the 2019 Travvy Awards held in New York City last night taking five major awards. This included Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett copping the inaugural Chairman’s Award for Global Tourism Innovation and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) attaining the best Tourist Board in the Caribbean award.

Bartlett secures USD750Million in Hotel Investment and 3000 Rooms

MADRID, Spain; January 23, 2019: Following discussions with two major Spanish Hotel chains, H10 and Princess Resorts, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett has secured USD750Million in investment. The investment will see the construction of three thousand (3000) new rooms in Jamaica by 2021.

Bartlett to Attend International Tourism Fair in Spain

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 22, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett travels to Spain today to participate in FITUR, the largest International Tourism Trade Fair for inbound and outbound Ibero-American markets.

Bartlett commits to construction of Reggae Museum

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 21, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has committed to the construction of a Reggae Museum to the tune of J$25Million. The move forms part of the Ministry’s effort to build out the reggae product to create more authentic Jamaican experiences for visitors and locals alike. The project will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

140 Buyers Expected For Caribbean Travel Marketplace

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 16, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says the 37 th Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), being hosted in Jamaica later this month, will welcome 140 buyers — the largest number in the event’s history since 2012.

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