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 Dominican Republic to Strengthen Tourism Cooperation

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 20, 2022: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett had brief discussions in Spain today with President of the Dominican Republic (DR), His Excellency Luis Abinader and other top DR officials to strengthen tourism relations. This will in part result in a new level of multi-destinational tourism aimed at redefining how tourism functions in the region.

Bartlett Hails Tourism Workers Pension Scheme as a Historic First

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Wednesday, January 12, 2022: Jamaica’s tourism industry recorded a historic worldwide first today with the launch of the long-awaited Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), which will benefit hundreds of thousands of persons, directly and indirectly, employed in the industry.

Minister Bartlett to Participate in Major Global Tourism Fair, FITUR

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 17, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett will attend the highly anticipated annual international travel and tourism tradeshow, FITUR, in Madrid, Spain, from January 19 to 23, 2022.

Jamaica’s Largest Hotel To Benefit From US$200 Million Investment

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 17, 2022: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, today in Madrid, Spain spoke at the official launch of a strategic alliance between international tourism giant Grupo Piñero which owns Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group private sector arm, IDB Invest, and Banco Popular Dominicano to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth through tourism in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The agreement will result in an investment of US$200 million in Grupo Pinero’s Bahia resorts in both countries.

Bartlett Lauds Bahia Principe on the Appointment of its First Jamaican Country Manager

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 11, 2022: Jamaica's largest hotel, Bahia Principe, has announced the appointment of Brian Sang as its first Jamaican Country Manager. The news was welcomed by Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett who noted that the announcement is in keeping with his Ministry's goal of having more Jamaicans in leadership roles within the sector.

Bartlett Promotes Jamaica's Tourism Industry During Sky News Interview

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 07, 2022: Jamaica's Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett was today interviewed on the UK's Sky News , one of the largest news organizations in the world , to discuss the island's COVID-19 recovery efforts and impressive Winter Tourist Season figures.

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