Spain has introduced new regulations that require rental properties, car rental companies, and tourism establishments to collect and report more personal information from customers, sparking concerns over privacy and bureaucratic burdens.
Effective Monday, the new system mandates that hotels, campsites, travel agencies, and car rental firms provide “specific” details about their customers to the government through a digital platform. The aim is to enhance security and improve efforts in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, according to the Interior Ministry.
Failure to comply with the new rules could result in hefty fines of up to 30,000 euros ($31,500).
Previously, hotels and other accommodations were only required to submit basic details such as a guest’s name, email, and passport number. Under the new rules, however, businesses are now obligated to collect additional information, including customers’ birthdates, phone numbers, and payment methods.
Many in the tourism industry have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the new requirements are excessive. Hotels must now collect over 40 data points per customer, while car rental agencies are required to collect more than 60.
“This is an unfortunate and incomprehensible decree,” said Juan Molas, president of Spain’s Tourism Board.
The Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) is particularly concerned about the impact on businesses and is considering legal action to challenge the regulations. Ramon Estalella, the organization’s secretary general, raised concerns about the potential risks of storing such personal data for three years, saying it could jeopardize privacy and data protection.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies (CEAV) warned that the “disproportionate rule” could deter tourists and argued that many businesses would struggle to cover the costs of implementing the new system.
The rules were initially set to take effect on October 1, but the government delayed the deadline to allow more time for the industry to prepare.
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