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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 of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre) is flanked by the President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Robin Russell (right), and JHTA Executive Director, Camille Needham (left) as he responds to questions from JHTA members following his presentation at their 63rd Annual General Meeting held yesterday (October 12) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Tourism Sector Gearing Up for More Growth

Kingston, Jamaica; Sunday, October 13, 2024: Jamaica’s tourism sector is set for continued expansion as global travel surges toward 1.5 billion travellers by the end of this year, with projections of nearly 3 billion tourists worldwide in the next two decades. Addressing the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) yesterday (October 12), Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett outlined several strategies aimed at ensuring that Jamaica remains a top destination and continues to experience growth in the competitive global tourism market.

Pork was one of the favourite meats at the Savour Jamaica culinary event which was staged at the Artisan Village in Falmouth, Trelawny, on Thursday, September 26, 2024 as one of the featured events for Tourism Awareness Week (TAW). Here Chef ‘FADA Chris’ carves up a pig roasted on a spit for customers. TAW 2024 ran from September 22-28, under the theme “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love.”

Stakeholders Call for Permanent Culinary Event in Falmouth

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Key stakeholders, including political leaders in the parish of Trelawny, are calling for the introduction of a consistent gastronomy event, similar to the Savour Jamaica showcase held recently at the cruise shipping port of Falmouth, to help attract more visitors and boost Jamaica’s culinary offerings.

An interior shot of S Hotel Montego Bay.

S Hotel Montego Bay & S Hotel Kingston Named in Best Hotels Rankings

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that S Hotel Montego Bay (previously known as S Hotel Jamaica) has been ranked the number one Best Hotel in the Caribbean and Central America by the world's leading travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. S Hotel Kingston (previously known as Spanish Court Hotel) ranked number 9 on the exclusive list.

Tourism Ministry Unveils ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love’ Mural

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 1, 2024: A stunning mural, the latest addition to the Downtown Kingston Art District, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism, on World Tourism Day, September 27, as part of activities to mark Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024. Executed through a collaborative effort between the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Kingston Creative, the mural, titled “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,” is a vibrant representation of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and the unifying role of tourism. The project was brought to life by lead muralist Sheldon Blake, with assistance from Rohan Cargill, and stands as a striking symbol of the connection between tourism, peace, and cultural exchange.

Youth Leaders See Many Opportunities in Tourism

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Friday, September 27, 2024: A panel of young leaders has expressed strong agreement that many opportunities currently exist in Jamaica’s tourism industry but that the need exists for additional training to prepare more young people for those roles.

Bartlett Joins Global Tourism Leaders for World Tourism Day Celebrations

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, September 26, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island yesterday (September 25) for Tbilisi, Georgia, where he will participate in the official global celebrations to mark World Tourism Day (WTD) 2024. The event, organized by the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism), is set for September 27 under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” and will bring together leaders from across the globe to explore the role of tourism in fostering peace, cultural exchange, and unity.

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