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Date Published: 19/09/2024

New Spanish tourist law sparks concerns over data protection and privacy

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The hotel industry in Spain says the “impossible” rules will cause “chaos and confusion”

New Spanish tourist law sparks concerns over data protection and privacy

A new law set to come into effect on October 1 in Spain has sparked widespread concern among hoteliers, travel agencies and private tourist accommodations, who claim it will cause “chaos” in the tourism sector.

The law, established by Royal Decree 933/2021, requires private rental landlords and hotels to collect and communicate sensitive data about travellers to the Ministry of the Interior, including payment methods, financial transactions, credit card numbers, contract details and personal contact information.

This new rule will apply to all holidaymakers, both domestic and foreign.

The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT), which represents more than 16,000 companies and 1.8 million places of accommodation, has expressed strong opposition to the law, citing concerns over data collection, storage and privacy. The organisation argues that the law is “very deficient and impossible to apply”, and that it will lead to a significant increase in errors, manual work and costs for establishments.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the law is necessary to enhance public safety and prevent terrorist activity and organised crime. However, the tourism sector argues that the law is disproportionate and will place Spanish companies at a disadvantage compared to competitors in other EU countries.

The law has also been criticised for its potential impact on the tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to Spain’s economy. The sector is already facing challenges, including anti-tourism protests in many holiday hotspots, where locals are concerned about the impact of tourism on the local community and the environment.

The travel agency sector has requested that the Ministry of the Interior exclude them from the scope of the law or establish limits on its application. However, with the law set to come into effect on October 1, tourism agents are bracing themselves for the potential chaos and disruption that may ensue.

“There is widespread confusion regarding what data is required and how to submit it,” a Spanish hotel association spokesperson said, adding that “the Royal Decree implies a significant interference in the privacy rights of tourists.”

In other news: Spain proposes radical tax reform to target high-income earners and rental properties

Image: Freepik

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