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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TAW Youth Forum Points Youths to Opportunities in Tourism

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; September 29, 2022: Secondary and tertiary level students from across the island received well needed information on the many opportunities available in the tourism sector during an engaging Tourism Awareness Week Youth Forum, held yesterday (September 28) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James. Many voiced their support for tourism and have indicated their desire to become more involved in the process of - “Rethinking Tourism,” which is the theme for the week.

Minister Bartlett Endorses Prime Minister’s Call for Global Tourism Resilience Day

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 23, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has endorsed the global call made by Prime Minister The Most Hon. Andrew Holness for the official designation of February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day annually.

Tourism Awareness Week 2022 to Focus on Rethinking Tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 21, 2022: The Ministry of Tourism, its public bodies and industry partners will highlight the importance of the sector to economic development and invite stakeholders to rethink how they approach tourism in a post-COVID-19 pandemic world, through the observance of Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2022, from September 25 – October 1.

Minister Bartlett to Participate in High-Level Tourism Engagements in Japan

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 19, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has been invited to participate in the much-anticipated Tourism EXPO Japan 2022 tradeshow, where he will seek to facilitate crucial discussions as part of efforts to tap into the Asian market.

Minister Bartlett Urges Regional Governments to Implement Multi-Entry Visa Regime

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, September 14, 2022: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has reiterated his call for governments across the Caribbean to implement a multiple entry visa regimen as he pushes for the establishment of a multi-destination tourism framework in the region.

Minister Bartlett to Attend High-Level CTO Meeting in Cayman

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, September 13, 2022: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is now in the Cayman Islands for a series of high-level engagements, including the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Business Meeting and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Caribbean Aviation Day Event.