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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Tourism Key Driver of Economic Growth in Africa and The Caribbean

KINGSTON, JAMAICA; February 16, 2023: The need to ensure the resilience of tourism, given its importance as a key driver of economic growth, has been highlighted by Former Prime Minister and Statesman-in-Residence at the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy, University of the West Indies (UWI), The Most Hon. Percival James Patterson.

Prime Minister Holness Calls for Strengthening of Tourism Linkages Globally

KINGSTON, JAMAICA; February 15, 2023: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has underscored the need to strengthen linkages between tourism and other sectors to enhance the resilience of tourism and boost economic growth globally.

GLOBAL TOURISM RESILIENCE CONFERENCE TO FEATURE IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF EXPERT SPEAKERS

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, February 14, 2023 – The historic, first-of-its-kind Global Tourism Resilience Conference, taking place in Jamaica this February 15-17, 2023 will feature a well-rounded roster of high-profile panelists and moderators who will be participating in the event.

UN Designates February 17 as ‘Global Tourism Resilience Day’ Annually

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, February 6, 2023: Jamaica’s efforts to bolster resilience in global tourism by proposing the official designation of February 17th as Global Tourism Resilience Day annually has yielded great success, as the United Nations (UN) officially ratified the move to facilitate its observance globally today (February 6).

Jamaica to Sign MOU With Sierra Leone on Tourism Cooperation

MADRID, Spain; January 24, 2023: As part of efforts to capitalize on tourism offerings between Jamaica and Sierra Leone, both countries are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The move is aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation between Jamaica and the historic African nation.

GTRCMC to Strengthen Ties With Development Bank of Latin America (CAF)

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 23, 2023: Plans are in high gear to strengthen ties between the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF). This follows a meeting with Minister of Tourism and Co-Chair of the GTRCMC, Hon Edmund Bartlett, CAF representatives and other Caribbean Ministers of Tourism, on the margins of the FITUR trade event in Spain.

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