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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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"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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Bartlett Travels to Madrid for FITUR Travel Tradeshow

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, January 20, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island earlier today (January 20) for Madrid, Spain, to attend the 45th staging of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), one of the world’s leading travel and tourism tradeshows. This prestigious event, which runs from January 22 to 26, 2025, provides a crucial platform for international tourism stakeholders to showcase their offerings, foster new business relationships, and explore future opportunities.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre), Minister of Tourism, addresses the media during a press briefing for the 2025 Global Tourism Resilience Conference, set to be held in Hanover from February 16-19, 2025. Joining him are Jennifer Griffith (left), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, and Professor Lloyd Waller (right), Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).

JAMAICA TO HOST 3RD ANNUAL GLOBAL TOURISM RESILIENCE CONFERENCE AND EXPO

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (January 15, 2025) – Tourism thought leaders from around the world will gather in Jamaica February 17 – 19, 2025 for the highly anticipated Third Annual Global Tourism Resilience Conference and Expo in Hanover.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left); owner of S Hotel, Chris Issa (centre) and Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon, join in applauding the all-Jamaican management and staff for their dedication and passion, resulting in the hotel being named the second-best all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean for 2025 by USA Today. The occasion was a cocktail reception to mark the occasion on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the hotel.

Four Jamaican Hotels Among Caribbean’s 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Friday, January 10, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has lauded four Jamaican hotels that have been named among the 10 best all-inclusive Caribbean resorts by USA Today.

Tourism Sector on Track to Achieving Ambitious Growth Targets - Bartlett

Westmoreland, Jamaica; Friday, January 10, 2025: After welcoming some 4.27 million total visitors and securing earnings of approximately US$4.35 billion in 2024, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is confident that Jamaica is on track to achieving its growth targets of attracting 5 million visitors and generating earnings of US$5 billion for the nation’s economy by 2025.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (R) engaging with children ahead of the toy distribution by Santa (L) at the Christmas Treat held by the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Tourism Ministry and its Public Bodies bring Holiday Cheer to Children of Tourism Workers

KINGSTON; Jamaica; December 27, 2024: The Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies spread holiday joy and gratitude this season by hosting a series of special Christmas Treats for the children of tourism workers. The heartwarming celebrations, held over three days, took place across resort areas including Kingston, Portland, Treasure Beach, Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, bringing smiles to over 600 children and their families.

Princess Resorts to Develop Jamaica’s First Casino

GREEN ISLAND, Jamaica; Monday, December 16, 2024: The US$400 million Princess Resorts with 1,005-rooms and several overwater suites, will add another dimension to Jamaica’s tourism industry next year with the development of the country’s first casino since licensing legislation was approved in June 2010, following the enactment of the Casino Gaming Act in March that year.

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