Hilton Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first hotel in the picturesque northern Italian lakes region, following an agreement between Hilton Worldwide and the Limonta group.

Hilton Lake Como is expected to welcome guests in 2017 and will be situated in the centre of Como, offering guests unrivalled access to the stunning landscape surrounding the town.

The new, 162-guest room hotel will be located within a mixed-use development, adjacent to the historic Via Olmo.

Hilton will manage the hotel on behalf of GBH Spa, an affiliate of the Limonta Group, which has a strong track record of development in the region.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide said, “This hotel paves the way for a Hilton presence in another of Europe’s top leisure destinations, joining 20 Hilton Worldwide hotels trading across Italy, of which seven operate under our flagship brand.

“Despite Como’s enduring appeal to visitors across the world, there is an undersupply of quality branded hotel accommodation and this hotel will mark the first internationally branded property in the town.

“There is a clear opportunity for our signature brand to flourish here, providing upscale lodging to Como’s discerning visitors.”

The leisure industry is a major driver of the wider economy in Lombardy, which in turn contributes more to Italy’s GDP than any other Italian region.

In addition to its popularity as a leisure destination, Como’s meetings and events demand is gaining traction.

Hilton Lake Como will offer a ballroom of more than 400 metres square, a range of fully flexible meetings spaces and a state-of-the-art business centre.

Today’s announcement follows recent news that Hilton Worldwide is to open three further hotels in Italy - DoubleTree by Hilton Venice North, Hilton Garden Inn Milan North and Hilton Capomulini in Sicily.

Hilton Lake Como will be situated at Via Borgo Vico, 50 kilometres from Milan and within easy reach of its three international airports.