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

Bartlett Underscores the Importance of Spa Safety to Destination Assurance

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; November 19, 2021: Operators in the spa sub-sector of Jamaica’s tourism industry are set to benefit from an operations manual developed to guide them in being safe, efficient and professional at what they do while tapping into the US$4.4 trillion global health and wellness industry.

Port Authority and its Partners Bolster Cruise Shipping Restart with First Call to Historic Falmouth Port Since COVID-19

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and it partners continue to bolster the restart of cruise shipping operations with the Historic Falmouth Port poised to reopen today (Sunday, November 14 th, 2021) when it welcomes the Emerald Princess, the first ship to call at the port since the suspension of operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bartlett Lauds 2021 American Caribbean Maritime Foundation Anchor Awardees

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 13, 2021: The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) yesterday honoured Alyse Lisk and the late Harriat ‘Harry’ Maragh, for their outstanding contributions to the shipping industry, at their annual Anchor Awards, hosted at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club in Florida.

Jamaica Tops Travvy Awards in Florida

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 12, 2021 : Less than a month after topping the World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America 2021 Winners Day in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica scored big again on Thursday, November 11, at the 2021 Travvy Awards in Miami, Florida.

Bartlett to Deliver Remarks at American Caribbean Maritime Foundation’s Anchor Awards

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 12, 2021: Tourism Minister Hon Edmund Bartlett is scheduled to speak later today at the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation's Anchor Awards, taking place at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club in Florida.

Bartlett Offers Condolences to Family of Melody Haughton-Adams

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 09, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett extends sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of Melody Haughton-Adams, President of the All-Island Craft Traders and Producers Association, who passed away earlier today following an illness.

Contact Information

64 Knutsford Boulevard,
Kingston 5, Jamaica

(876) 920-4926-30

info@mot.gov.jm