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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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Tourism Ministry challenges Negril community stakeholders to embrace new development projects

NEGRIL, Westmoreland, Jamaica, March 25, 2015: As plans for the transformation of the resort town of Negril take shape, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, has challenged stakeholders to actively participate and support the town’s transformation.

Jewel seals booking deal with Hilton Worldwide Curio brand

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – April 2, 2015: Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, has welcomed Curio – A Collection by Hilton to the growing list of top brands that have taken a keen interest in Jamaica as the top tourist destination in the Caribbean.

2014 Best Year Ever for Cruise Shipping in Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica –April 16, 2015: 2014 was Jamaica’s best year ever for cruise shipping as the island welcomed 1.4 million cruise ship visitors, a 12.5 percent increase over 2013. Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, made this announcement during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament, on Tuesday, April 14, 2014.

Small Hotels To Reap Benefits From New Incentives Legislation

Kingston, Jamaica, April 20, 2015: Under the new Fiscal Incentives Act, better known as the Omnibus Act, the number of tourism properties eligible for tax benefits for re-investment and refurbishing has increased from 100 to some 400 entities.

SECTORAL PRESENTATION 2015-2016 BY HON. DR. WYKEHAM MCNEILL, MINISTER OF TOURISM AND ENTERTAINMENT, APRIL 14, 2015

Sectoral Presentation 2015-2016 Presented by Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, MP Minister of Tourism and Entertainment April 14, 2015 TOURISM WORKING FOR JAMAICA OPENING REMARKS Mr. Speaker,

Nearly 1000 Chinese Visitors Arrive in Ocho Rios on Costa Atlantica Cruise Ship

Kingston, Jamaica: April 22, 2015 – There was a buzz of activity in Ocho Rios this morning as nearly one thousand Chinese vacationers descended on the resort town to experience Jamaica’s world class tourism offerings. The group represents the single largest number of Chinese visitors to vacation on the island ever.

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