In what industry observers are viewing as an endorsement of Spain’s growth potential, the famous Hilton brand of hotels is returning to the Costa del Sol after 40 years absence. Hilton Worldwide has signed a deal with the owners of the Reserva de Higuerón hotel in Benalmádena.

The Hilton Group already has four hotels in other regions of Spain. This new deal will see the luxury American brand return to Andalucía 40 years after the last Hilton was launched in the region, the Don Carlos in Marbella.

Carlos Javier Rodríguez, one of the owners of Reserva de Higuerón, says: “When we opened 20 years ago we would never have believed we would end up working with Hilton.”

Local property markets in Benalmádena are set to benefit from the Hilton’s presence at the Higuerón, which will boost the area’s profile as a tourist hotspot.