New hotel development will soon begin in the Long Bay area of Antigua and Barbuda.

Meanwhile, officials plan a groundbreaking ceremony for the Long Bay Beach Zen Resort on Thursday.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the project during the post-Cabinet briefing.

Merchant said the sod-turning ceremony forms part of a busy government agenda after the April 30 general election.

“There is the turning of the sod to commence construction of a new hotel property,” Merchant said.

According to Merchant, the ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Thursday in Long Bay.

He identified the development as the Long Bay Beach Zen Resort.

In addition, officials expect to release more project details during the launch ceremony.

The new hotel development supports government efforts to expand tourism investment across Antigua and Barbuda.

Furthermore, the Gaston Browne administration continues pushing hotel infrastructure growth nationwide.

Merchant also linked the project to increased government activity after the election.

“Prime Minister demands productivity and high quality of productivity,” Merchant said during the briefing.

Meanwhile, the groundbreaking ceremony is one of two major events announced on Thursday.

Merchant also confirmed the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority will open its new headquarters later Thursday afternoon.

The headquarters will operate at V.C. Bird International Airport.

However, officials have not revealed the project’s investment value or completion timeline.

They also have not disclosed the full scale of the Long Bay Beach Zen Resort.