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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Use Tourism to Build Sustainable Coffee Sector - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 15, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the Ministry’s Tourism Linkages Network intends to leverage public private partnerships to build out a framework to stimulate entrepreneurship in the coffee sector and related industries.

Jamaica Records 8.6% Increase in Tourism Earnings in 2018

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 09, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica saw an 8.6% increase in tourism revenue in 2018.

International Expert on Tourism Security to Arrive on Sunday

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 04, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that highly regarded tourism security expert, Dr Peter Tarlow, will arrive on the island on Sunday to join the team carrying out the intensive security audit of the tourism sector.

Jamaica sees Record Arrivals and Earnings for the Christmas period

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 27, 2018: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica saw record arrivals and earnings for the period December 21-24, 2018. Preliminary airport arrivals was 34,081, an increase of 12.8% over the corresponding period in 2017. The estimated gross earnings stands at USD51, 240,784 which represents a 17.1% increase over last year.

Safety, Security remains Priority for Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 18, 2018: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is reiterating the country's commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and seamless destination to all visitors who come to the country.

Jamaica Prepares for Record Winter Tourist Season

MONTEGO BAY, St. James; December 17, 2018: As part of preparations for what is expected to be a record winter tourist season, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett yesterday unveiled twenty (20) new automated kiosks. The automated kiosks, which were donated by the Passport Immigration and Citizens Agency, were unveiled at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

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