November 28th 2024.
The introduction of new rules has sparked controversy and concern among critics who believe it will create chaos. According to these critics, tourists visiting Spain will now face added scrutiny due to legislation that has been compared to the concept of 'Big Brother'. This new decree requires hotels to collect personal information from holidaymakers, a move that has been met with resistance.
The implementation of these rules is scheduled for Monday, December 2 and will affect a range of businesses, including hotels, travel agencies, car rental companies, and accommodation apps. While Spanish hotels currently ask for guests' ID cards or passport details, the new regulations will require them to gather up to 31 pieces of data, making it one of the strictest rules in the EU. This applies to anyone aged 14 or above and includes information such as their full name, gender, nationality, passport number, date of birth, home address, mobile number, and email address. This information will then be uploaded onto a platform to be shared with Spanish security forces. Although those under 14 are exempt from providing this information, adults traveling with them must explain their relationship.
The Spanish government has defended its decision to implement these rules, stating that it is part of their efforts to crack down on organized crime. However, the country's leading hotel association, Cehat, has strongly opposed the new regulations. The group's secretary-general, Ramón Esteella, has described it as "like Big Brother" and believes it will cause chaos. Cehat has even launched a legal challenge against the rules, expressing concerns about breaching customers' privacy. While the group is committed to working with the government in the interest of security, they fear that the new obligations may violate the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, which could result in hefty fines.
Spain, including its capital Madrid, is a beloved destination for British tourists. However, Esteella has pointed out that Spain is already the only country in the EU where hotels are required to send guests' ID information to the police. The group has stated that the new rules could not only violate fundamental privacy rights but also complicate and hinder the experience of millions of visitors to Spain. They have also raised concerns about the delays that tourists may face during check-in, especially during peak times. On the other hand, Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has stated that the new rules have considered all aspects, including the right to privacy and the need to protect society's security.
These new rules come after a year of anti-tourism protests in Spain and across Europe. In October, thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid to protest against skyrocketing house prices and the impact of holiday rental sites like Airbnb. Barcelona has also witnessed several demonstrations this year, with protesters even demanding that tourists go home. In November, 22,000 people gathered in the city to demand lower house prices. Popular holiday destinations, such as the Canary Islands, have also voiced their concerns about over-tourism. In September, protesters appeared on the beach in Tenerife, chanting "This beach is ours" in front of sunbathing tourists.
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