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.

Featured News Releases

"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."

All News Releases

Emirates Airlines Now Selling Seats to Jamaica

DUBAI, UAE; May 10, 2022: In a historic first for Jamaica and the Caribbean, Emirates Airlines, the largest airline in the Gulf Coast Countries (GCC), is now selling seats to Jamaica. This arrangement opens gateways from the Middle East, Asia and Africa to Jamaica and the rest of the region.

Place People at the Heart of Sustainable Tourism Recovery - Bartlett

New York, USA; May 4, 2022: In his first address at the United Nations General Assembly today (May 4), Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett urged global tourism leaders to take decisive steps to ensure that people remain at the heart of tourism recovery globally.

Minister Bartlett Inducted into Global Travel Hall of Fame

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 29, 2022: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett yesterday (April 28) joined an esteemed group of high achievers in the international travel and hospitality industry, with his induction into the prestigious Global Travel Hall of Fame.

Minister Bartlett Visits the UK on First leg of Mega Marketing Blitz

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 22, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and a high-level team are scheduled to arrive in London tomorrow (Saturday), which marks the start of a mega marketing tour to further boost growth in the island’s tourism industry.

Bartlett to Lead Global Mega Marketing Blitz

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 21, 2022: Elated by the rate at which Jamaica’s tourism industry is recovering from the devastating COVID-19 fallout, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is all set to embark on a global marketing tour to boost visitor arrivals.

Tourism Ministry Mourns Passing of Bath Fountain GM Desmond Blair

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 20, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed profound sadness at the passing of the General Manager of Bath Fountain Hotel, Mr. Desmond Blair who had headed the St. Thomas attraction since 2001. Bath Fountain is one of the tourism ministry’s eight public bodies.

Contact Information

64 Knutsford Boulevard,
Kingston 5, Jamaica

(876) 920-4926-30

info@mot.gov.jm