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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Jamaica and the Cayman Islands Set to Collaborate on Tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 10, 2022: Jamaica and the Cayman Islands have initiated discussions to facilitate collaboration on tourism, in order to leverage the strong historical ties and synergies between both nations to boost their tourism sectors.

Jamaica’s Tourism Sector Nearing Full Recovery from COVID-19 Fallout - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 5, 2022: Jamaica’s tourism sector has almost fully recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had threatened the very survival of the industry.

CARICOM has significant role in Multi-Destination Tourism Plan

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Saturday, July 23, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has explained that the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) will need to play an integral role in making multi-destination travel to the region feasible.

Bartlett wants regional airline for multi-destination tourism

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thursday, July 21, 2022: Chairman of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR) and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett sees the need for an effective regional airline to boost tourism in the Caribbean.

Investors Given Assurance that Now is the Time to Invest in Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 20, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has given assurance to investors that now is the time to invest in Jamaica as a destination.

Jamaica to Host OAS High-Level Policy Forum on Resilience Building

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 14, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica will host a high-level policy forum of the Organisation of American States (OAS) next week to focus on safeguarding the region’s tourism sector from disruptions, including a looming recession.

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