Montego Bay, Jamaica — Jamaica’s shift toward luxury tourism is gaining momentum as the government, led by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, doubles down on a policy designed to ensure local communities directly benefit from new developments. Bartlett emphasized that the administration has been attracting premium investments, with groundbreaking ceremonies for more than US$3.5 billion in tourism projects in the past three months. He also indicated that two additional mega billion-dollar investments have just been finalized in discussions, with one poised to be revealed soon in Paradise, Westmoreland. The project, described as Jamaica’s most luxurious resort to date, will feature brand names that will be announced at a later date, Bartlett said, adding that the talks are nearly complete and a formal announcement is expected next week.
New Tourism and Local First Policy
Bartlett underscored that this is the “new Jamaica” for tourism—an approach aimed at delivering value-added benefits and higher levels of employment with better remunerations. He stressed that the policy, dubbed Local First, will shape how visitors and investors interact with Jamaica by requiring partnerships with local communities. The goal is to foster demand for goods and services produced by Jamaicans, strengthening local supply chains and community involvement as part of the tourism growth engine.
Vista Montego Bay Resort
The remarks came during the ceremony marking the first phase of the Vista Montego Bay Resort and the commencement of phase two. The US$100 million project on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard will comprise a 468-room complex spread across three towers, with accompanying shops and restaurants. The site sits on the former Miranda Hill hotel property, which later became known as Vista Ambassador under its late owner Constantine Hines. The development is a partnership between Hines’s company, C&H Property Ltd., and Money Masters Real Estate Investment Fund (MM REIF).
Dean Burrowes, chairman of Vista Montego Bay Resort Development, noted that the project is Jamaican-owned, managed, and operated by Jamaican professionals, highlighting the capability to deliver a world-class resort. He said the completed development would stand as a landmark for Montego Bay and a testament to the island’s growing capacity in luxury hospitality.
Montego Bay Leadership and Community Benefits
Montego Bay Mayor Councillor Richard Vernon spoke at the event, welcoming the project as a sign that the city—and Jamaica more broadly—is moving in the right direction by investing in domestic growth and opportunity for local communities. The emphasis on local ownership and community partnerships aligns with broader economic goals to expand employment opportunities and local entrepreneurship as tourism grows deeper into higher-value segments.
What this means
The push toward luxury tourism, anchored by Local First commitments, signals Jamaica’s intent to balance high-end investment with tangible community benefits. If implemented effectively, the policy could boost local procurement, training, and community-driven projects tied to new developments, while maintaining Jamaica’s competitive edge in a global luxury market. The announcedParadise, Westmoreland project and the ongoing Vista Montego Bay expansion are concrete examples of this strategy taking shape on the ground, potentially delivering jobs and higher incomes for Jamaicans at multiple levels of the supply chain.
Additional comments
– The Local First policy, once details are fully rolled out, could set a benchmark for how large-scale resort developments partner with nearby communities, including opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services, and for workforce development programs.
– Watch for specifics on how communities will be compensated or integrated into planning, as well as procurement thresholds and monitoring mechanisms to ensure benefits reach the intended populations.
– The confidence expressed by local leaders, including the Montego Bay mayor and resort developers, suggests broad political and economic support for Jamaica’s evolving luxury tourism corridor, which could attract further investment while preserving local resilience.
Summary
Jamaica is advancing its luxury tourism agenda with significant investments, reinforced by a Local First policy intended to ensure community benefits from new developments. The Vista Montego Bay project and the upcoming Paradise, Westmoreland resort illustrate the direction, combining world-class hospitality with Jamaican ownership and leadership. If the policy and partnerships translate into concrete opportunities for Jamaicans, the initiative could strengthen jobs, local enterprise, and sustainable growth across the tourism sector.
Positive angle
The move toward inclusive growth in luxury tourism holds promise for broader prosperity, with high-value projects paired with local involvement, investment in people, and stronger community ties to Jamaica’s tourism future.