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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Bartlett Extends Condolences to Family of St. Ann Hotelier Richard Salm

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 9, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has offered condolences to the relatives and friends of St. Ann hotelier, Richard Salm, who died in a motor vehicle crash yesterday, along the Llandovery main road in St. Ann.

Over 2,000 Tourism Workers Vaccinated in First Three Days of Vaccination Drive

OCHO RIOS, Jamaica; September 4, 2021: Well over 2,000 tourism workers have been vaccinated using one of three vaccines made available to them at a number of strategic blitz sites organized by the new Tourism Vaccination Task Force, in its first three days of major activities. The Task Force, which was established to facilitate the vaccination of all tourism workers island-wide, has organized a series of vaccination blitzes, with the first being held on August 30.

New Task Force Kick-Starts Tourism Worker Vaccination Drive Today - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 30, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that work by the newly named Tourism Vaccination Task Force, which was established to facilitate the vaccination of all tourism workers island-wide, is well underway, with the roll-out of vaccination sites locally. The task force has organized a series of vaccination blitzes, which officially begin today (August 30), at strategic sites across the island.

Jamaican Government Rewards Japanese Olympic Volunteer with Luxury Vacation

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 19, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that the Jamaica Tourist Board with the assistance of local stakeholders will be offering Japanese Olympic volunteer, Tijana Kawashima Stojkovic and a guest of her choosing, a special all-expense paid trip to Jamaica. The trip, which spans four parishes, will include visits to attractions as well as stays at five luxury hotels.

Minister Bartlett Names Special Task Force to Boost Vaccination of Tourism Workers

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 19, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has named a special task force to drive the process of vaccinating the island’s tourism workers, as part of efforts by the government to achieve herd immunity.

Strict Adherence to COVID-19 Protocols Key to Successful Return of Cruise

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 17, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says safeguarding the health and safety of the citizens of Jamaica, as well as visitors, remains the top priority as the island welcomed the successful return of cruise operations yesterday (August 16).

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