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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Bartlett Pursues Bid for Middle East Travel Market

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Monday, May 1, 2023: Jamaica’s effort to get a foothold in the lucrative United Arab Emirates (UAE) travel market gets a major push this week with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett travelling to Dubai to participate in the Arabian Travel Market trade show from May 1 to 4 and other key events.

Key Change Being Made to Definition of Tourist Attraction

BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth; April 28, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has revealed that an important administrative change is being made to the definition of local tourist attractions to facilitate them being licensed whether or not they charge an entry fee. The move is expected to give more Jamaicans greater access to various attractions across the island.

Tourism Growing in Trelawny but Falmouth Needs Improvement - Bartlett

FALMOUTH, Trelawny; April 25, 2023: Even as the development of the parish of Trelawny into a sought-after resort is progressing in earnest, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is expressing displeasure with the state of sections of the town capital, Falmouth.

Minister Bartlett Welcomes Racquet Club Condominiums and Spa Development

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; April 25, 2023: The once famous Racquet Club hotel in Montego Bay has been demolished to make way for the construction of an 8-storey luxury condominium complex for which Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett broke ground over the weekend.

Renovated Mammee Bay waterwheel is newest St Ann heritage attraction

Mammee Bay, St Ann. April21, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett yesterday lead in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the recently renovated ruin of the Mammee Bay waterwheel in St Ann, adding it to the many attractions in that parish.

Bartlett Reinforces Tough Stance Against Public Disorder

OCHO RIOS, St Ann, Jamaica; Monday, April 24, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is staging a relentless war against public disorder, which, he says, poses a real threat to safety within the tourism industry.

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