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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 Pleased Montego Bay Convention Centre is a COVID-19 Vaccination Site

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; April 11, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is expressing satisfaction with the build out of the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) as a COVID-19 vaccination site.

Jamaica Records Major Increase in Arrivals Over Easter Weekend - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 7, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has outlined that Jamaica recorded a major increase in stopover arrivals over the Easter holiday weekend, with the island recording the highest number of visitor’s since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norwegian Cruise Line To Homeport a Vessel in Jamaica – Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 6, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Jamaica has finalized arrangements with global cruise company, Norwegian Cruise Line, to homeport one of their vessels in Montego Bay, with service set to begin on August 7, 2021.

Proof of Vaccination for Travel Could Be Considered Discriminatory - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 30, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has cautioned global leaders that any requirement for proof of vaccination for travel, which does not take into account the unequal access and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally, could be considered discriminatory.

Tourism Linkages Network to Host Virtual Speed Networking Event

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 29, 2021: The Ministry of Tourism, through its Tourism Linkages Network, will host its highly anticipated annual Speed Networking event on Wednesday, March 31, using a virtual format to connect local suppliers directly with key buyers in the tourism sector.

Tourism Recovery Requires Strong Multi-Level Response and Partnership - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 26, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is urging global and regional policymakers to utilize new approaches, partnerships and a strong multi-level response to aid in the sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that this strategy will ensure that the tourism sector becomes more resilient, sustainable, inclusive and competitive.

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