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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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Gastronomy Forum Series to Boost Readiness for Tourism Rebound - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 8, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has outlined that the latest initiative by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), through its Tourism Linkages Network division, to host a virtual gastronomy forum series, will aid in preparing the culinary industry for the rebound of the tourism sector, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bartlett Congratulates Jakes Hotel on Condé Nast and Telegraph Rankings

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 1, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has extended heartfelt congratulations to the management and staff of Jakes Hotel in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth after the property was listed among the top family vacation spots globally by luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveller, and also named among the best boutique hotels in the Caribbean by the Daily Telegraph.

Fair and United Approach Needed in Global Distribution of Vaccines - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 25, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has called for a fair and united approach to the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, amid growing criticism worldwide, that advanced countries are hoarding supplies of vaccines, while poor countries are not being given access to the life-saving medication. This he feels further threatens the economic recovery of tourism dependent states and the global economy overall.

Jetblue CEO Issues Apology to Jamaican Government and People of Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 16, 2021: Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue Airways, Robin Hayes, issued a personal apology to the Jamaican Government and the people of Jamaica earlier today, following the recent controversial actions of one of the company’s employees. Mr. Hayes conveyed his sentiments during a phone call with Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, who has welcomed the apology.

Take Greater Advantage of Growing Rum Tourism Niche Market - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 15, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett is calling on private sector interests to take greater advantage of the growing rum tourism niche market, in order to generate higher growth rates in both visitor arrivals and earnings for Jamaica, in the post-COVID-19 era.

Minister Bartlett Chairs OAS Tourism Recovery Working Group Meeting

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 12, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett yesterday chaired the third meeting of a high-level Organization of American States (OAS) Working Group that is currently developing an action plan, for the recovery of the cruise and airline industries, which have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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