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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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Minister Bartlett to Participate in Major Global Tourism Tradeshow, FITUR

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 18, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is set to attend the highly anticipated annual international travel and tourism tradeshow, FITUR, which will be conducted in person, in Madrid, Spain from May 19-23. FITUR was the last major global in-person trade fair to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic, and is the first of its kind to return, in a non-virtual format.

Bartlett Calls for United Caribbean Voice Against Vaccine Inequity

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 10, 2021: As regional stakeholders ramp up efforts to woo back tourists and rebuild the sector in the aftermath of the fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has called on Caribbean leaders to raise their voices collectively against the inequitable distribution of vaccines.

Jamaica Leads Multi-Destination Tourism Discussions at WTTC Global Summit

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 27, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett today convened a high level meeting with regional tourism ministers in Cancun Mexico, to discuss the finalization of arrangements for the implementation of a multi-destination tourism framework and agreement to bolster arrivals.

Bartlett Discusses Investment Opportunities with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 26, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett today participated in a very successful meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, to discuss investment opportunities and other possible areas of collaboration between both nations.

Cruise Tourism Set for Big Comeback

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 22, 2021: Cruise shipping, a key component of Jamaica’s tourism sector which suffered the greatest fallout of all tourism activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is gearing up for a major comeback.

Norwegian Cruise Line Donates US$1 million to Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 21, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica is set to benefit from a major donation from global cruise company, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), to assist in the island’s COVID-19 recovery effort.

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