Tourists in Spain must provide more data when checking into hotels

Spanish authorities have introduced legislation that requires tourists to provide additional data when checking in at hotels, guest houses, flats and campsites. Previously, hotels had to collect basic information such as first name, last name or email address. Now, the list of mandatory data has been significantly extended.

Detailed information such as name, gender, identity document number, date of birth, home address, email address, telephone number and payment details will be collected from tourists. Similar regulations will also be extended to those renting cars. Customer data will be passed directly to the authorities.

Businesses that do not comply with the new regulations could be fined. However, owners of tourist facilities argue that many of them lack the appropriate technology to collect and protect such a large amount of data.

Tourism organisations have objected to the new regulations, arguing that excessive data requirements violate tourists' privacy and could deter them from visiting Spain. Experts stress that the regulations could affect the country's image as tourist-friendly.

Source: businesstravelnewseurope.com