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.

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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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4,800 Room Sugarcane Bay Multi-Resort Development to Break Ground Early 2020

MONTEGO BAY, St. James; Friday November 15, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that Karisma Hotels and Resort is set to break ground in the first quarter of next year, for their 4,800-room multi-resort development project in St. Ann. The project represents a near US$1Billion dollar investment.

Bartlett bats for Regional Tourism Investment

MONTEGO BAY, St. James, Friday November 15, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has reiterated his call on tourism investors to look beyond developing hotels while batting for regional tourism investment.

Amaterra Jamaica “inks’’ deal with Marriott International for First Marriott All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica

MONTEGO BAY, St. James; November 14, 2019: The architects of Jamaica’s largest integrated tourism real estate development, the Keith and Paula Russell led Amaterra Jamaica Group, have entered into a hotel management operator agreement with award-winning global travel company, Marriott International.

Jamaica to Host TD Jakes Caribbean Leadership Conference

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; November 12, 2019: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett says internationally acclaimed Bishop TD Jakes is looking at staging his flagship leadership conference in Jamaica next year.

Jamaica Secures Airlift arrangements with Condor, Post Thomas Cook

LONDON, United Kingdom; November 7, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has secured airlift arrangements with Condor Airlines as part of efforts to lessen the impact of the recent collapse of Thomas Cook, the 178-year-old British tour operator.

Jamaica and Panama to Establish Multi Destination Arrangement

LONDON, United Kingdom; November 7, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica and the Republic of Panama are set to establish a multi destination arrangement, as part of efforts to strengthen tourism relations between both countries.

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