From Monday, December 2, tourists visiting Spain will be required to share more personal information with the government. These new data requirements form part of a new measure introduced by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. The regulation aims to enhance national security and has sparked serious concerns among the tourism sector.
The new data requirements demand that anyone checking into a hotel or renting a car in Spain will have to provide their identification details, gender, address, phone number, email, and payment method. These details will then be relayed to the Ministry of the Interior. The measure applies to everyone over the age of 14, with adults also required to declare their relationship to any accompanying minors.
The rules are not limited to international tourists; Spanish nationals staying at hotels or renting vehicles will also be subject to the new data requirements. The Ministry has justified the regulation on the grounds of national security, claiming it is necessary to protect citizens against the threat of terrorism and serious crimes carried out by organised crime groups.
Industry backlash over privacy and red tape
However, tourism experts have raised concerns about the privacy implications of the new data requirements law. The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has warned that the increased paperwork could cause delays at check-in. This would affect both tourists and businesses. CEHAT has also hinted at possible legal action, arguing that the requirements could place a significant burden on businesses. Furthermore, these could potentially violate existing European data protection guidelines. According to the regulation, businesses must register with the Ministry of the Interior, report collected data daily, and store it digitally for three years. Penalties for non-compliance range from €100 to €30,000.
Data sharing for tourists: ‘An existential threat to the sector’
CEHAT has described the new requirements as potentially endangering the viability of Spain’s tourism industry. With over 82 million visitors in 2023, Spain is the second-most popular destination in Europe. The organisation claims that tourists and Spanish citizens alike will face “complicated and cumbersome administrative procedures,” diminishing their overall experience. CEHAT also criticised the “confusing and disproportionate” regulations, which they argue conflict with broader European data protection directives.
Originally intended to be enforced from 1 October, the implementation of the new law was postponed to 2 December to give the tourism sector additional time to prepare. Despite this delay, industry representatives remain sceptical about the law’s impact on one of Spain’s most crucial economic pillars.
Also read: Key pionts of Spain’s new (holiday) rental regulations