Government of Jamaica

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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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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 Lauds Adam Stewart on Receiving Honorary Doctorate of Laws

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, Sunday, November 6, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has showered commendations on the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), Adam Stewart, on the latest honour bestowed upon him by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

Jamaica Hits Two Million Stopover Arrivals For 2022

New York, NY, November 4, 2022 – As the destination continues its strong tourism recovery, Jamaica has welcomed over 2 million stopover arrivals for 2022 as of October in line with previous projections.

Jamaica pushes for Global Tourism Resilience Day

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday, November 4, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, and UN Ambassador Brian Wallace met to discuss the progress of Global Tourism Resilience Day.

Bartlett to Participate in Major Marketing Events in New York and London

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Wednesday, November 2, 2022: As Jamaica seeks to reconnect with travellers and strengthen its tourism brand in the global market, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and a team of high-level tourism officials left the island today for the New York media launch of the Jamaica Tourist Board’s new “Come Back” global marketing campaign.

Bartlett Congratulates New JHTA President Russell

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, October 31, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has lauded the newly-elected President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), hotelier Robin Russell, and Immediate Past President Clifton Reader for their strong support of initiatives behind the successful recovery of the tourism industry from the devastating fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bartlett to Share Insights at ‘A World for Travel’ Tourism Forum

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 25, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is slated to share insights on ways to boost the resilience and sustainability of the global tourism industry, during a series of high-level international discussions and meetings with international tourism partners, when he attends the much anticipated ‘A World for Travel’ tourism forum.