Government of Jamaica

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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 Recovers All Lost Seats from Thomas Cook Collapse

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 26, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that Jamaica has recovered all the lost seats following Sunday’s collapse of Thomas Cook, which flies a significant number of visitors to the island from Manchester, England.
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Tourism Minister to participate in Fourth Jamaica Travel Market in London

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 25, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett departed the island yesterday to participate in the Jamaica Travel Market (JTM) at the Sopwell House, London.
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Tourism Resilience Centre to provide US$100,000 Towards Disaster Recovery Efforts in the Caribbean

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 24, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says his Ministry through the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), has allocated US$100,000 to support tourism-ravaged economies impacted by disruptions such as natural disasters and pandemics.
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Bartlett Names Board of Trustees for Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 23, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has named a 9-member Board of Trustees, for the recently passed landmark Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme. The appointment is for a period of one year with immediate effect.
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Bartlett to receive Africa Travel and Tourism Award

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, September 23, 2019: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been recognized by the African travel and tourism industry for his exemplary work and contribution to the growth of the sector in Africa and in the Diaspora.
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Bartlett to announce Board of Trustees for landmark Pension Scheme

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 22, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is set to announce the appointment of a Board of Trustees for the recently passed landmark Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme. Designed to cover all workers ages 18-59 years in the tourism sector, whether permanent, contract or self-employed, the Scheme will cover all categories of workers.
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