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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Jamaica’s Manual on Tourism Ethics Hailed by International Community

LONDON, United Kingdom; November 5, 2019: Jamaica’s Manual on Tourism Ethics, scheduled to be released at the end of the year, has been hailed as innovative and timely by the international tourism community. The manual forms part of the outcomes of the island wide security audit of hotels and attractions undertaken earlier this year.

Bartlett Offers Condolences to Relatives of Jamaica Inn’s Peter Morrow

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 05, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the local tourism industry is in mourning, after learning of the sudden passing of the co-owner of Jamaica Inn, Peter Morrow.

Global Oversight of Travel Advisories Needed, says Bartlett

LONDON, United Kingdom; November 5, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says there is need for global oversight of travel advisories issued for destinations. The Minister made the call at the World Travel Market (WTM), which is being staged in London November 4-6, 2019.

Jamaica’s Manual on Tourism Ethics Hailed by International Community

LONDON, United Kingdom; November 5, 2019: Jamaica’s Manual on Tourism Ethics scheduled to be released at the end of the year, has been hailed as innovative and timely by the intentional tourism community. The manual forms part of the outcomes of the island wide security audit of hotels and attractions undertaken earlier this year.

Global Tourism Resilience Centre provides relief for Bahamas - Bartlett

LONDON, United Kingdom - November 4, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett today handed over US$50 thousand to Director General of the Bahamas Tourism and Aviation Ministry, Mrs. Joy Jibrilu at the second Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM) Board of Governors Meeting in London today.

Bartlett calls for Investment beyond Hotel Rooms

LONDON, United Kingdom; November 4, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has made a call for investment in the tourism industry to go beyond the development of hotel rooms and other infrastructure. Minister Bartlett made the call during his presentation on the opportunities for investment in travel and tourism development projects, Infrastructure and Services at the International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) in London.

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