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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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Karisma Hotels & Resorts Announces US$900 Million Mega Hotel Project

STATEMENT BY MR. RUBEN BECERRA VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT KARISMA HOTELS AND RESORTS AT A PRESS BRIEFING JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD OCTOBER 13, 2015 Good afternoon. On behalf of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, let me start by saying how very proud we are to be in Jamaica.

Devon House Undergoes Major Upgrades

Kingston Jamaica; November 18, 2015: Kingston’s iconic landmark Devon House has been undergoing major renovations, over the last few years, to develop and preserve the heritage site. Following a tour of the facilities on Tuesday November 17, 2015, the Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill announced that the ministry, through its agency, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has funded projects at Devon House to the tune of $128 million from 2012-2014.

TEF Provides $100 Million to Repair Mountainside Main Road

Kingston, Jamaica: November 20, 2015 – Residents in the rural community of Mountainside St. Elizabeth and surrounding areas are set to benefit from improved road conditions following the signing of a multi-million dollar contract to effect extensive repairs to the Mountainside main road. The contract was signed in the community recently and was met by applause from scores of residents who welcomed the project.

September 2015 the Best Ever for Visitor Arrivals to Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica: November 23, 2015 – Jamaica this year recorded the best ever September for stop over arrivals, up 7.0% (114,280 arrivals) when compared to September 2014. This record September was announced by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, who was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Kingston’s weekly luncheon held recently at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.

Model Community Tourism and Heritage Site Opened at Maidstone, Manchester

Kingston Jamaica, November 23, 2015 – Effort to boost community tourism along the island’s South Coast has received a major boost as the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment through its agency the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo), officially opened the Maidstone Museum in Nazareth, Manchester on Wednesday November 18, 2015. The project, that formed part of the Ministry’s Tourism Improvement Programme (TIP) is situated on the premises of the Nazareth All-Age School located in the Manchester community.

Moon Palace Seeks to Increase Hotel Investment in Jamaica

OCHO RIOS, Jamaica, Sunday, December 6, 2015: Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr Wykeham McNeill, has welcomed news that Palace Resorts plans to increase investment in the island’s hotel sector. Information on the plan was provided by Executive Vice President of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur, at the recent official opening of Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, the first resort property outside of Mexico to be opened by that country’s largest hotel chain.

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(876) 920-4926-30

info@mot.gov.jm