The new rules apply to anyone heading to the EU, which is popular with British tourists, and will require hotels and accommodation to take and store up to 31 pieces of information
Brits heading on holiday to Spain this summer face a major change after a strict new law kicks in – threatening to make vacations “much harder”.
The rules, which came into force last month, mean tourists now have to provide hotels and accommodation with a raft of extra details, including bank card details, family relationships, home addresses and contact info. Tour operators, rental platforms and car rental firms will all be required to gather this sensitive data and upload it to a platform shared with Spanish security forces – a move slammed as “Big Brother” by a leading hotel association chief.
CEHAT Secretary General Ramón Estalella labelled the new requirement a “massive problem”, warning it will also significantly delay busy check-in times. He previously told the Telegraph: “Spain is already the only country in the EU where hotels must send guests’ ID info to the police, while in other countries they just have to keep that data for a period.”
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with Ramón claiming: “Not only could it violate fundamental privacy rights, but it also threatens to complicate and hinder the experience of millions of visitors who choose Spain as a destination.” He added: “It is impossible to automate the process and it would involve additional and disproportionate manual work for establishments and a considerable increase in errors.”
However, the Interior Ministry has defended the plans, insisting: “It is justified for the general interest for the security of citizens against the threat of terrorism and other serious offences committed by criminal organisations.” Under previous rules, hotels in Spain asked guests for just their ID card or passport details, reports Birmingham Live.