New Data Collection Rules in Spain May Slow Down Hotel Check-in

Starting December 2, Spain's new law requires hotels, car hire companies, and other accommodations to submit guest data to the government, triggering fears of longer check-in times. While aimed at enhancing national security, critics argue it complicates the travel experience and threatens the viability of the tourism sector.

Visitors to Spain should brace for increased paperwork starting December 2, as new regulations requiring hotels, car hire firms, and other accommodations to collect and submit personal information about customers come into effect. This law, aimed at national security, mandates the submission of sensitive data including passport details, home addresses, and payment methods for all guests aged 14 and older to the Ministry of the Interior.

The Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has expressed concern over the potential negative impact on the industry, with plans to explore legal challenges against the regulations. Spain, a top European destination, welcomed over 82 million tourists in 2023, and the added requirements could disrupt the experience for both tourists and residents.

The new law, officially named Royal Decree 933/2021, was initially set to start on October 1 but was postponed to give the tourism sector more time to adapt. The required information will include phone numbers, email addresses, and the number of travelers, all of which businesses must report daily and maintain for three years. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines ranging from €100 to €30,000.

Companies like Airbnb have also informed property owners about the necessity of registering with the Spanish government and gathering data from guests. The Ministry of the Interior has defended the regulations, claiming they are essential for public safety against organized crime and terrorism. However, CEHAT believes that this initiative jeopardizes the industry's future by imposing cumbersome administrative processes on tourists and locals.

Travel journalist Simon Calder noted that the government's motivation is to monitor visitor movements for security reasons. Despite the potential for congestion at hotel reception areas due to the new requirements, Calder remarked that the current low tourist season might offer businesses a chance to adapt.

Content creator Penelope Bielckus shares similar concerns, indicating that the added bureaucracy may slow check-ins and detract from the leisure experience travelers anticipate. While she acknowledges that hotels already collect much of the required data, the impact of these regulations on last-minute bookings remains uncertain.

As Spain prepares for the roll-out of these new data collection rules, the implications for the tourism sector and the visitor experience will be closely monitored.