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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 Travels to Manila to Receive 2024 Gusi Peace Prize

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, November 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, yesterday (November 24) departed the island for Manila, the Philippines, to attend the 2024 Gusi Peace Prize International Awards. This prestigious global event honours individuals and organizations for significant contributions to peace, human rights, and global progress.

Minister Bartlett Travels to Colombia for 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, to represent Jamaica at the United Nations (UN) Tourism’s 122nd Executive Council Meeting, which will be held from November 13–15, 2024. Jamaica, which proudly holds the position of Second Vice Chair on the UN Tourism Executive Council, will play an instrumental role in shaping the direction of the global tourism agenda.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (r) and Sierra Leone Tourism Minister, Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis being interviewed by BBC Travel Presenter Carmen Roberts at the International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, England, on Monday, November 4.

Tourism Minister Bartlett Advocates for Enhanced Commonwealth Collaboration to Drive Global Tourism Growth

London, England; Monday, November 5, 2024: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has underscored the need for a stronger and more cohesive tourism strategy across Commonwealth nations to leverage the immense potential for economic and social development. Speaking at the prestigious International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, England, Minister Bartlett called on Commonwealth countries to join forces in making tourism a transformative driver of inclusive growth.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) engages with the audience at the ITIC Summit in London during a panel discussion on: ‘The responsibility of governments to develop a strategic plan for an investment-focused tourism agenda of the future.’ Other participants included (L-R) Siby Diabira, Senior Manager, Western Europe, IFC; Hon. Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism, Malawi; Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya, and moderator Carmen Roberts, BBC presenter.

Supply-Side Growth Key to Boosting Tourism Investment, says Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has continued to advocate for the importance of tourism-dependent destinations owning the supply side of the industry to increase investments and earnings. Speaking at the International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit in London yesterday, the Minister highlighted that owning the supply side has the potential to create favourable conditions for investors and to retain more of the foreign exchange earned locally from the industry.

Minister Bartlett in London for World Travel Market 2024

London, England; Monday, November 4, 2024: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has arrived in London to lead Jamaica’s delegation at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) scheduled for November 5-7. This significant event will bring together global leaders in travel and tourism, providing a powerful platform to advance Jamaica’s tourism objectives, strengthen alliances, and explore new growth opportunities across markets.

Garth Sinclair, aka “Necktie Gentleman” shows off his skill with the coconut at the Sandals Jamaica Love sales event which showcased Sandals and Beaches resorts on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, as the authentic Caribbean resorts of choice. Sinclair has been selling coconuts for the past 43 years.

Major Push Underway to Boost Jamaica’s Image as a Tourist Destination

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Thursday, October 17, 2024: Underscoring the importance of tourism to Jamaica’s economic life, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon Andrew Holness has announced that strategic steps are being taken to enhance the country’s reputation and brand as a tourist destination.

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