Spain’s new tourists’ rules spark outrage and calls for boycott

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Spain’s new law requiring tourists to share personal information has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among British holidaymakers.

Starting December 2, tourists will be required to provide extensive details about their travel plans, including the hotels they will stay at, the vehicles they plan to rent, and a range of personal data.

This has led to heated debates online, with some social media users calling for a boycott of Spanish destinations.

The new rules, which aim to protect Spain from organized crime and terrorism, require accommodation providers to collect up to 31 pieces of information from guests.

Currently, hotels ask for basic ID or passport details, but the new regulations will significantly expand the scope of required data.

New Data Requirements for Tourists

Under the new law, tourists must provide:

Full nameGenderNationalityPassport numberDate of birthHome addressLandline phone number (if available)Mobile phone numberEmail address

The regulations will apply not only to traditional hotels but also to short-term rentals like Airbnb.

Children under 14 are exempt from the rule, but adults traveling with minors will be required to explain their relationship with the child.

Backlash and Calls for Boycott

Many social media users have criticized the new measures, calling them invasive and reminiscent of “Big Brother” surveillance.

One user tweeted, “Boycott Spanish islands altogether, rather go to Turkiye anyway,” while another commented, “No great loss there. I hated my two weeks on holiday there.”

The backlash has been particularly strong from UK tourists, as Spain remains a top destination for British travelers.

Spain Defends the Measures

In defense of the law, Spain’s Secretaria de Estado de Seguridad (State Secretariat for Security) stated that the new regulations are necessary to combat terrorism and organized crime, both of which often involve foreign nationals.

The government emphasized that the rules are aimed at safeguarding public safety, as “the greatest attacks on public safety are carried out by both terrorist activity and organized crime, in both cases with a marked transnational character.”

Fines for Non-Compliance

While there are no penalties for tourists who fail to comply with the new rules, accommodation providers will face fines if they do not collect the required information from guests.

This has added to the controversy, with critics arguing that the burden of compliance will unfairly fall on businesses.

As the new regulations loom, tourists are left divided, with some voicing concerns over privacy while others defend the measures as necessary for security.

Only time will tell whether Spain’s bold new approach will impact its tourism industry.