New rules are being imposed on tourists in Spain, requiring them to give hotels and accommodation several extra personal details.
The imposements, which have already been delayed since January 2023, are being introduced on December 2, having been criticised by the country’s leading hotel association, CEHAT. This comes as some tourist buses will face bans from next year.
The hotel rules require 31 new pieces of information such as phone numbers, home addresses and email addresses. Brits will also be asked about their relationship with their children and group size.
The Spanish government has defended its decision on the new rules, saying the reasons for them are to “crackdown on organised crime.”
It is illegal to smoke on beaches in Barcelona
PA
A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry previously said: “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.”
CEHAT, whose recent request for the details to be relaxed was denied, 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.
“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.”
Any hotels that do not follow these new rules have the risk of being fined €30,000 (£25,000).
GB News commenters have been reacting to the news around Spain, including a recent ban imposed on tourists in Tenerife.
One commenter wrote: “Boycott Spanish islands altogether, rather go to Turkiye anyway.”
Another added: “No great loss there. I hated my two weeks on holiday there.” Another commenter wrote: “Simples! Just don’t go there! Let them suffer the loss of English dosh!”
