Travellers watch out - more more bureaucracy for your holiday

Since the beginning of December, the new register for accommodation - with a long list of requirements of requirements for guests and providers.

Going on holiday? Yes, but with paperwork please. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior's new traveller register came into force on 2 December. The aim: more security, but the way to achieve this is bureaucratic and controversial. The tourism industry in particular had vehemently opposed the new regulations, but their resistance was unsuccessful. Now guests and hosts have to be prepared for extensive data collection.

Who is affected by the register?
The provisions of Royal Decree 933/2021 are aimed at almost all players in the tourism business. Hotels, holiday flats, campsites, tour operators and even platforms such as Airbnb must comply with the new regulations. Car hire without a driver is also affected - although taxis and chauffeur services are exempt.

What is required of travellers?
A simple check-in? That was once upon a time. From now on, travellers must provide detailed personal information, including

First and last name, date of birth, nationality and gender.
Identity card or passport number
with document type and number.
Home address, e-mail address
and telephone number.
Number and relationship of fellow travellers, especially in the case of
Minors.

In shortYour host will know more about you than your closest friends.

And the providers?
The requirements do not end with the traveller. Accommodation providers and agents must also provide information on booking details, payment methods and even the identity of the cardholder. Whether by credit card, bank transfer or PayPal - every transaction is documented. Even IBAN numbers or credit card expiry dates could be requested.

This data is forwarded directly to the authorities via the SES.Hospedajes platform. The purpose: to prevent and combat terrorism and organised crime.

Bureaucracy vs. holiday happiness
The tourism industry, in particular the hotel association Hosbec, is anything but enthusiastic. The accusation: an unnecessary burden for providers and possible invasion of travellers' privacy. Hosbec is already considering legal action against the new regulations.

A compromise without a winner?
The new regulations may address safety concerns, but they also raise questions: Will travellers soon rethink their holiday plans as the expense increases? And how will smaller providers deal with the additional requirements? Only one thing is certain: holiday bookings in Spain have changed fundamentally - and not necessarily to the benefit of those involved.