Spain enforces strict tourist information rules that anger industry
- The new regulations require travelers to provide over 40 pieces of personal information, significantly increasing the burden on hotels and travel agencies.
- Hoteliers are grappling with compliance challenges and concerns about privacy, fearing repercussions for non-compliance.
- The tourism industry is considering legal action against these controversial rules while trying to reassure travelers about their rights.
In Spain, new regulations governing traveler registration were enforced recently, aimed at enhancing security measures against organized crime and terrorism. These laws obligate tourists aged 14 and older to provide substantial personal details, including names, passport numbers, email addresses, and even specifics about their relationships when booking accommodations or car rentals. The rules took effect in early December 2024, despite widespread backlash from the tourism sector, which argues that the requirements are excessive and infringe on privacy rights. Initial implementation faced technical glitches, raising concerns among hoteliers regarding operational complications and the potential legal repercussions of failure to comply with both Spanish and EU data protection regulations. Numerous hotel associations are considering challenging the legality of these mandates, fearing they could deter tourists and adversely affect Spain's thriving tourism economy, which is pivotal for its GDP. The Spanish Interior Ministry, however, defends the regulations, claiming they are critical for policing and tracking criminals, arguing that proper vehicle and accommodation logistics can help authorities combat organized crime effectively.