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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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Bartlett Outlines Framework for Jamaica’s Tourism Development

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, June 4, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has identified sustainability of the national economy as key to his vision for tourism in the immediate future.

Summer Tourism Boom as Celebrities Flock Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sunday, May 28, 2023: Coming out of the best winter tourist season ever, Jamaica is now set to achieve record visitor arrivals for the summer.

Jamaica Welcomes Over 1.5 Million Visitors Since January 1, 2023

Kingston, Jamaica; May 16, 2023: With the Jamaican tourism sector continuing on its robust growth trajectory for 2023, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has revealed that as of May 10, 2023, the island has welcomed just over 1.5 million total visitors, with provisional gross earnings exceeding US$ 1.6 billion for the same period.

Minister Bartlett to Attend UNWTO Executive Meeting in Punta Cana

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, May 16, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, this morning departed the island to join global tourism leaders for the 118 th Session of the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Executive Council, which runs from May 16-18, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Bartlett Outlines Caribbean Insurance Industry’s Pivotal Role in Tourism Safety and Security

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, 15 May 2023: Caribbean insurance companies have been challenged to play a pivotal role in ensuring safety and security within the regional tourism industry.

Minister Bartlett Receives CHTA President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados; Wednesday, May 10, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been recognized for his stellar contribution to the regional tourism industry. The Minister received the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s prestigious President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism during the Travel Forum and Awards luncheon held at Sandals Royal Barbados yesterday (May 9).

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