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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Minister Bartlett in New York for CTO Caribbean Week

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, June 17, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett arrived in New York City yesterday (June 16) to participate in a series of events and activities for the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) Caribbean Week celebrations from June 16 to June 21. While in the USA, Minister Bartlett and senior tourism officials will embark on a strong multi-city marketing blitz that will also take them to Chicago and Dallas.

JetBlue confirms US Demand for Jamaica remains High

NEW YORK; New York; Monday June 17, 2024: Popular low-cost carrier out of the United States (US), JetBlue Airlines, has confirmed that the demand for Jamaica remains high. In a meeting today, lead by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and his Senior Tourism executives, the Airlines’ Executives confirmed that Jamaica was in high demand in some of their key states in the US.

Jamaica Shares All-Star Event Line-Up For Summer 2024

Kingston, Jamaica, June 10, 2024 – With travelers flocking to Jamaica for summer getaways, the beloved island is sharing its action-packed event schedule for the season. The thrilling line-up will bring together the best of the island’s music, culture, and food for locals and visitors to enjoy, including the annual Reggae Sumfest now in its 31st year.

Stronger Tourism Linkages Will Boost Local Supply Capacity – Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 10, 2024: The Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies will be ramping up efforts to boost the capacity of local suppliers in a bid to further strengthen linkages between tourism and other key sectors of the Jamaican economy. This commitment was underscored by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, during his recent 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate opening presentation in Parliament.

Bartlett Explores Partnership with Chemonics to Mark 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Day

Kingston, Jamaica; Friday, June 7, 2024: On the margins of the Resilience and Innovation Summit now underway in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, met with senior representatives of leading global sustainable development firm, Chemonics International, in a bid to forge a major partnership for the upcoming Global Tourism Resilience Day in 2025.

Jamaica Sees Record 2 Million Visitors To-Date In 2024

Kingston, Jamaica, June 6, 2024 – Jamaica has welcomed a record two million visitors thus far in 2024, more than ever reported during the period of January to May. Further solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading island travel destinations, Jamaica’s final tourism data for 2023 also notes a record-breaking 4.1 million visitors and 25.5% year-over-year increase in total visitation compared to 2022.

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