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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Bartlett Launches New JTB Website

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 15, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, yesterday (November 14) officially launched the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) new and fully integrated website which will transform its marketing strategies.

$35Million for Spruce Up Garbage Disposal Bin Project

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 14, 2018: As part of efforts to reduce littering in municipalities island wide, The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has spent $35million to brand and install 1000 Spruce Up garbage disposal bins. The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Spruce Up’ campaign which seeks to provide a clean and aesthetically appealing environment to increase attractiveness for visitors and businesses in Jamaica’s resort areas.

Bartlett Appointed to African Tourism Board

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 12, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has been appointed to the board of sitting ministers and appointed public officials, of the newly formed African Tourism Board association.

Minister Bartlett Mourns Passing of Former Trident Owner Earl Levy

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 08, 2018: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep sadness at the passing of celebrated architect and hotelier, Earl Levy.

Jamaica among Top 5 Trending Destinations listed by Kayak

KINGTON, Jamaica; November 6, 2018: Jamaica has been listed as one of the top five trending destinations to travel to in January 2019 by international travel website Kayak. In a recent Kayak report, Jamaica landed at number five among the top ten trending destinations with a thirty percent (30%) increase in year-over-year searches for New Year's by travellers seeking to visit.

First Resilience Centre Board of Governors Meeting a Success - says Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 06, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says the first Board of Governors and Associates meeting for the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in London, was a huge success. It covered a range of key operational and policy arrangements, concerning the January 2019 opening of the Centre.

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