As Spain readies itself for a fresh wave of tourism, a new law requiring hotel operators to collect and submit personal information about guests to the government has raised concerns among stakeholders in the tourism sector.
New Data Rules Set to Affect Hotel Check-Ins in Spain
New Data Rules Set to Affect Hotel Check-Ins in Spain
Beginning Monday, new laws demand more documentation from visitors in Spain, potentially causing longer check-in times.
The legislation, known as Royal Decree 933/2021, mandates that hotel and car rental businesses gather and report sensitive information such as passport details, home addresses, and payment methods for all guests aged over 14 years. The rule comes into effect on December 2, following an initial delay from October 1, allowing the hospitality sector more time to adapt.
Concerns over the implications of these regulations have been voiced by the Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT), which is contemplating legal avenues to contest the changes. The organization warns that prolonged check-in processes could deter visitors, thus harming the industry's viability. CEHAT further states that both international and domestic travelers could face complex administrative tasks that may disturb their holiday experience.
In terms of compliance, businesses will need to register with the Ministry of the Interior, submit collected data daily, and keep records digitally for a cycle of three years, facing penalties of up to €30,000 for violations. This requirement extends to Airbnb hosts who must also be registered and gather customer data.
The Spanish government has defended the measures as necessary to bolster national security, combatting organized crime and terrorism. Nonetheless, travel experts like Simon Calder acknowledge the likelihood of increased delays at check-in desks, considering the ongoing low tourist season may provide a cushion for hotels to adapt to the new systems without immediate backlash.
The complexities of this change cast a shadow over the holiday experience, with travel content creators expressing concern over the additional paperwork. Although many hospitality providers already collect similar information, the extent of the new regulations remains to be seen. Observers are particularly wary about potential disruptions in last-minute bookings and overall customer experience.
Whether or not these measures will lead to significant obstacles for travelers is still under scrutiny, but stakeholders are certainly keeping an eye on developments as the deadline approaches.
Concerns over the implications of these regulations have been voiced by the Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT), which is contemplating legal avenues to contest the changes. The organization warns that prolonged check-in processes could deter visitors, thus harming the industry's viability. CEHAT further states that both international and domestic travelers could face complex administrative tasks that may disturb their holiday experience.
In terms of compliance, businesses will need to register with the Ministry of the Interior, submit collected data daily, and keep records digitally for a cycle of three years, facing penalties of up to €30,000 for violations. This requirement extends to Airbnb hosts who must also be registered and gather customer data.
The Spanish government has defended the measures as necessary to bolster national security, combatting organized crime and terrorism. Nonetheless, travel experts like Simon Calder acknowledge the likelihood of increased delays at check-in desks, considering the ongoing low tourist season may provide a cushion for hotels to adapt to the new systems without immediate backlash.
The complexities of this change cast a shadow over the holiday experience, with travel content creators expressing concern over the additional paperwork. Although many hospitality providers already collect similar information, the extent of the new regulations remains to be seen. Observers are particularly wary about potential disruptions in last-minute bookings and overall customer experience.
Whether or not these measures will lead to significant obstacles for travelers is still under scrutiny, but stakeholders are certainly keeping an eye on developments as the deadline approaches.
