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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 Lauds Marriott and Sunwing Travel Group on New Marketing Deal

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 09, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has lauded Marriott and Sunwing Travel Group on their new marketing deal, which will double Marriott’s all-inclusive portfolio, including properties in countries such as Jamaica and Costa Rica. Minister Bartlett welcomed the agreement, which he believes is a significant show of confidence in the full recovery of the regional tourism industry in the Caribbean and Central America.

Steps Being Taken to Reset the Tourism Sector

WORTHY PARK, St Catherine, Jamaica; Monday, February 8, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that steps are currently being taken to ‘reset’ the tourism sector to ensure that it benefits even more Jamaicans and fuels greater economic growth, whenever the sector rebounds from the impact of COVID-19. Mr. Bartlett adds that the Ministry of Tourism has embarked upon a series of consultations with key stakeholders, aimed at maximizing the opportunity to reorganize the local tourism industry.

Several Local Entrepreneurs to Benefit From New Artisan Village - Bartlett

FALMOUTH, Trelawny, Jamaica; February 2, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that more than 60 small and medium sized entrepreneurs are set to reap economic benefits whenever normalcy returns to the tourism sector, as they are slated to secure coveted shop spaces at the modern artisan village being created in Falmouth, Trelawny.

Small Tourism Enterprises and Farmers Receive Major Boost Under REDI II Initiative

ST. ANN, Jamaica; February 1, 2021: Small entrepreneurs in the tourism and agriculture sectors are receiving well needed assistance under a J$52.46 million initiative, developed to assist them in recovering from the economic ravages of COVID-19. The assistance is being provided under the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI II), which has seen the implementation of a special COVID-19 Resilience and Capacity Building sub-project for Agriculture and Community Tourism Enterprises.

Bartlett Consoles Smith Family on the Passing of Transportation Pioneer Ralph Smith

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 29, 2021: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep regret at the passing of tourism and transportation pioneer, Ralph Smith.

Prime Minister & Tourism Minister Welcome Investment in New Negril Attraction

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 28, 2021: Prime Minister, Andrew Holness and Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett have welcomed the latest investment of just under US$1.5 million in the tourism sector’s latest innovative attraction, the Red Stripe Experience at Ricks Café, Negril.

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