Government of Jamaica

News Releases

News Releases

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.

Featured News Releases

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."

All News Releases

Nepalese Global Tourism Resilience Centre to be opened in April 2020

KATHMANDU, Nepal; January 3, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says April 2020 is the date earmarked to officially open the Satellite Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in Nepal. The announcement follows Minister Bartlett’s visit to Nepal to conclude discussions for a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Centre.

Jamaica Listed In CNN Travel's 20 Best Places to Visit In 2020

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 02, 2020: American news-channel CNN, has named Jamaica as one of the 20 best places to visit in 2020. The island is one of two Caribbean destinations to make the list.

Bartlett Extends Sympathy to Owners of Richmond Hill Inn

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 31, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has extended sympathy to the owners of the historic Richmond Hill Inn in Montego Bay, following a fire that destroyed a section of the property last night.

Bartlett to establish Satellite Tourism Resilience Centre in Nepal

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 27, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) will, on January 1 2020, conclude discussions for a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Satellite Centre in Nepal.

Miss Nigeria and Miss India to Visit Jamaica in March 2020

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 23, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Miss World finalists from Nigeria and India have accepted the Government’s invitation to visit Jamaica, following their enthusiastic display of support for the crowning of Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh, as Miss World 2019.

Bartlett Calls for Kingston to be the Premier Hub of the Northern Caribbean

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 18, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says that the projected expansion projects in Kingston, as well as those currently underway are a signal of the City’s potential to be the primary hub of the Northern Caribbean.