Jamaica confirms its shift towards luxury tourism
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 since June 2025. While not disclosing specifics, he mentioned he had just finalized discussions on two more “mega billion-dollar investments.”
One of these new projects will be in Paradise, Westmoreland. According to Minister Bartlett, it will likely be Jamaica‘s most luxurious resort, featuring brand names that will be revealed at a later date. “We’ve finished talking, with just one little matter to close, and by next week, we’ll be able to announce it,” he stated.
Minister Bartlett declared, “This is the new Jamaica. This is the new tourism that is going to drive another element of value added to enable jobs at another level, with remunerations at another level. But the more important aspect of it is that it is going to create demand at another level for goods and services to be provided by our Jamaicans.”
It is within that context that Minister Bartlett informed that “a policy determination labelled ‘Local First’ will characterize our new arrangement with all our potential visitors that come to Jamaica but more so our investors. We are going to require of them to partner with communities.”
This disclosure was made at a ceremony celebrating the completion of phase one of the Vista Montego Bay Resort and the groundbreaking for phase two. Situated on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, the US$100 million investment will include a 468-room complex across three towers and additional buildings with commercial amenities, including restaurants and retail shops.
The Vista Montego Bay Resort is being built on the former Miranda Hill hotel site, which was later renamed Vista Ambassador. The current development is a partnership between Hines’s company, C&H Property Ltd., and Money Masters Real Estate Investment Fund (MM REIF).
Chairman of Vista Montego Bay Resort Development, Dean Burrowes, pointed out that it was a Jamaican company, owned and operated by Jamaican professionals and managers. “This makes us proud as we showcase our abilities, which are comparable to any other development anywhere in the world.” He expressed that on completion, it will be a landmark. “It will be one of the most impressive and prestigious resort properties in the Montego Bay municipality.”
Montego Bay’s Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, said the development “embodies the spirit of progress, elegance and sustainability that defines our vision for the future.” He noted that the project encompasses five thoughtfully designed buildings, eco-smart architecture and lifestyle amenities that rival global standards. Mayor Vernon also expressed that “this development dovetails seamlessly with other urban renewal strategies to build a Montego Bay that is resilient, inclusive and globally admired.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
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