Spain Introduces New Data Collection Rules for Tourists

Spain Introduces New Data Collection Rules for Tourists, Causing Concern Among Hoteliers and Travelers

As of December 2, 2024, Spain has introduced new data collection rules for tourists, which require hotel owners, car hire firms, and other accommodation providers to submit personal information about their customers to the government. The rules, which also apply to rental properties and campsites, are being brought in for national security reasons, but have raised concerns among hoteliers and travelers about privacy and potential delays at check-in desks.

The new rules, officially known as Royal Decree 933/2021, require businesses to collect and submit a range of personal data, including passport details, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and methods of payment. This information will be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior on a daily basis, and businesses will be required to keep a digital record of the information for three years.

The introduction of these new rules has caused concern among hoteliers, who fear that it will lead to delays at check-in desks and add to the administrative burden on their businesses. The Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has expressed concerns about the impact of the new rules on the tourism industry, and is considering taking legal action to challenge them.

Travelers are also likely to be affected by the new rules, which may require them to provide additional personal data when checking in to their accommodation. This could lead to delays and frustration, particularly during peak travel seasons.

The Spanish government has defended the new rules, saying that they are necessary for national security reasons. However, critics argue that the rules are overly broad and could potentially infringe on individuals’ right to privacy.

The introduction of the new rules comes at a time when Spain is experiencing a surge in tourism, with over 82 million visitors in 2023. The country is the second most popular destination for tourists in Europe, and the new rules are likely to affect a significant number of travelers.

In addition to the concerns about privacy and delays, there are also worries about the potential impact on the tourism industry as a whole. The CEHAT has warned that the new rules could lead to a decline in tourism, as travelers may be deterred by the additional bureaucracy and potential delays.

The Spanish government has said that it will provide support to businesses to help them comply with the new rules, but it remains to be seen how effective this support will be. In the meantime, travelers to Spain should be aware of the new rules and be prepared to provide additional personal data when checking in to their accommodation.

It is worth noting that the new rules are not unique to Spain, and similar data collection requirements are in place in other countries. However, the specific requirements and implementation of the rules in Spain have raised concerns among hoteliers and travelers.

In conclusion, the introduction of new data collection rules in Spain has raised concerns among hoteliers and travelers about privacy, potential delays, and the impact on the tourism industry. While the Spanish government has defended the rules as necessary for national security reasons, critics argue that they are overly broad and could potentially infringe on individuals’ right to privacy.