Government of Jamaica

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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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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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Airlift From Canada to Jamaica to be Boosted in November

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Tuesday, September 12, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that air seats out of Canada will increase significantly as of November 5, this year when Canada Jetlines introduces twice-weekly flights between Toronto and Montego Bay.

Bartlett Steps Up Multi-Destination Tourism Drive as Jamaica Targets LATAM Market

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, September 7, 2023: As Jamaica seeks to unlock the vast potential of the Latin American (LATAM) visitor market, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has emphasised the importance of multi-destination tourism and 'co-petition' to this initiative. Minister Bartlett highlighted the issue during his address at the 'Keys to LATAM’ Conference, organised by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and Adtelligent Limited. The conference, held earlier today (September 7) at the Spanish Court Hotel, brought together industry professionals to explore business opportunities in the lucrative Latin American (LATAM) market.

Minister Bartlett Hails Michael Campbell as a Stalwart of Impeccable Character

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, September 7, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has hailed the late founder of Island Car Rentals, Mr. Michael Campbell, describing him as “a true stalwart in the transportation subsector of tourism and a man of impeccable character.”

Jamaica Wins Big at WTA Caribbean & The America’s Gala 2023

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, August 28, 2023: It was an exciting weekend for Jamaica on the international stage with the destination taking home over 30 major awards at the 2023 World Travel Awards Caribbean & The America’s Gala, held on August 26 in St. Lucia.

Jamaica Only Caribbean Nation to Secure Increased Earnings Post-Pandemic

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, August 24, 2023: As Jamaica enjoys its best summer tourist season ever, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that the island is now the only Caribbean nation to secure increased earnings in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bartlett Leads Strong Marketing Push in Eastern Europe

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, August 22, 2023: On the heels of an impressive ninth consecutive quarter of economic growth for Jamaica’s tourism industry, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has kicked off engagements in Eastern Europe with a marketing blitz to promote destination Jamaica amid the staging of the 19 th World Athletics Championships underway in Budapest, Hungary.