New Spanish law forcing tourist to give up personal information in effect

As of Monday, operators of hotels, campsites and car rental companies are obliged to register more personal information about tourists and customers as a result of a new law.

The new Spanish law dictates that tourists must provide their full name, date of birth, gender, home address, phone number and payment methods when visiting the country. In addition, they are required to handover their nationality, email address and the number of companions they’re traveling with. If minors are traveling, the adults must disclose their relationship with the minor tourist.

The Spanish government also obtains information on the dates on which tourists use the accommodation or car rental service and the method of payment used. The date of payment and the date the payment card expires must also be shared to the authorities.

Furthermore, hotel operators also record how many rooms are rented and whether an internet connection is requested. Hotel, campsites and car rental operators must use a digital platform for this purpose.

The State Secretariat for Security implemented the new law to improve the safety of Spanish citizens. According to the institution, foreigners are involved in “terrorist threats and other very serious crimes committed by criminal organizations”. By keeping tabs on everyone who’s visiting the country and cross-checking and collecting personal details, the authorities hope to keep everyone safe.

The Spanish Confederation of Tourist Hotels and Accommodation (Cehat) has expressed its concerns about the new law. The organization thinks that the law violates the privacy of travelers and puts Spain’s reputation as a tourist friendly destination at risk.

“Travelers who come to Spain seek to enjoy their leisure time, not to be immersed in intrusive and endless administrative processes that put their privacy at risk. This regulation is not only unnecessary, but generates uncertainty and erodes confidence in our tourist offer,” Jorge Marichal, President of Cehat, points out in a statement.

He emphasizes that tourism is the cornerstone of the economy and that Spain can’t allow it to lose its competitiveness or confidence of tourists. “It is urgent that this regulation be reconsidered, that the privacy of travelers is respected and that any damage to our reputation as a world leading tourist destination is avoided,” Marichal warns.

Cehat condemns the lack of dialogue by the Spanish government and demands an immediate review to make sure that passengers’ rights aren’t violated.