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The Government of Jamaica has launched the “Local First” policy, a national initiative designed to ensure that Jamaicans are the leading beneficiaries of the country’s growing tourism sector. Announced by Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett, the policy will prioritize local farmers, artisans, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs as key suppliers to hotels, attractions, and other tourism enterprises.
Building on the success of the Tourism Linkages Network, the new framework expands proven initiatives such as the “Christmas in July” programme—which has generated over J$200 million in sales—and the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX), which facilitated over J$1 billion in trade between local farmers and tourism operators in 2024.
The “Local First” policy also introduces local procurement targets, Community Benefit Agreements in every resort area, and a Linkages Data Network to track how much of the tourism dollar stays in Jamaica.
Minister Bartlett emphasized that the policy represents a new model for inclusive tourism. “The truest measure of tourism success is not the number of arrivals; it is the number of lives improved,” he said.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness welcomed the policy, calling it a major step toward ensuring that Jamaicans are not just participants but leaders in shaping the country’s tourism future.