Tourexpi
Spain introduces controversial new travel rules
Controversial
new rules requiring Spanish hotels, car rental agencies, and other tourism
operators to collect additional personal data from travelers came into effect
on Monday.
The
new rules are reportedly meant to help police combat terrorism and organized
crime, but the beefed-up personal information requirement has sparked criticism
from the tourism industry, which argues this will infringe on privacy while
making travel more expensive and time-consuming.
“Now
we have to include around 40 client data points, asking for personal
information about relationships, payment methods – like which account or cards
are used – and this is even necessary just for making bookings,” Jorge
Marichal, head of the Spanish hotel association CEHAT, told broadcaster COPE on
Monday.
CEHAT
said it is considering legal action over the negative impact the new rules
could have.
A
hotel manager told broadcaster RTVE that the process could extend the average
check-in time by as much as 10 minutes per customer.
The
data must be submitted through an online application run by the Interior
Ministry. However, on Monday, users reported that the app had crashed.
“We
don’t know the technical reasons, but ... this is proof of the ministry’s lack
of foresight, as they haven’t adequately calibrated the volume of daily
operations,” said Catiana Tur of the tourist agency association ACAVE, speaking
to industry daily Hosteltur.
Travelers
have also expressed concerns about the impact on their privacy, with some
British tourists telling GB News they plan to avoid Spain due to the new rules.
The
ministry contends that the changes are merely an update to previous data
collection rules, which have been “made obsolete” by advances in payment
technology and shifts in the tourism industry.
It
argued that criminals have increasingly found ways to circumvent data
regulations when renting cars or booking accommodations.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Turkish Airlines served 83.4M passengers in 2024
Number of passengers flown by Turkish flag carrier up 2.1% on year
Tripadvisor Reveals 2025's Must-Visit Destinations: Top Picks From Travelers Around the World
London Takes The Top Spot – Plus, U.S. Favorite Places for Food, Culture, Solo Travel and More.
Lufthansa Group plans around 10,000 new hires across the entire company in 2025
A particularly large number of new colleagues wanted at Lufthansa Technik.
Travel Advisor Trade Group Weighs In on Air Travel Competition in Response to Inquiry
Selling 735,000 air tickets daily, travel advisors have witnessed first-hand the effects of airline consolidation throughout the history of commercial aviation.
Emirates set to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™
Emirates has launched an inspiring journey to officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, inviting customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience Emirates’ seamless services and personalised hospitality, making
WHO says rising respiratory infections in China within expected winter range
'Authorities report that hospital utilization currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered,' says spokesperson.
Türkiye's balloon tourism aims to attract 2M passengers with new routes
Cappadocia remains top destination, drawing adventure-seekers worldwide.
Unforgettable Experiences on Miami Beach in Early 2025: Culture, Cuisine, Music and Wellness
Miami Beach is ready to welcome visitors with an extraordinary lineup of activities, events, and experiences in early 2025, making it the ultimate destination for travelers and locals seeking world-class entertainment, hotels and beaches.
EU: Turkish travelers exempt from new European travel system
Diplomatic, service, and special passport holders, who already enjoy visa-free travel, will continue to travel without needing any authorization, EU Delegation confirms.
China reports mpox case linked to traveler from Congo
Health authorities confirm the outbreak began with foreign visitor.
3 Restaurants Under IHG Hotels & Resorts Newly Listed In 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide
The 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide (hereinafter referred to as “Black Pearl”) has recently been released.
Winter storm brings snow, ice, power outages, flight cancellations across US
Powerful storm already left nearly 300,000 customers without power across 6 states, caused over 1,300 flight cancellations nationwide.
Heavy snow causes travel disruption in parts of Europe as further weather alerts in place
2 die in northern France, while UK sees record low temperatures amid more weather warnings.
Lufthansa Group successfully issues hybrid bond and strengthens its capital base
Successful placement of 500 million euros hybrid bond.
Qatar Airways Holidays Launches Fan Packages for the Formula 1® 2025 Season
Unparalleled packages, seamless travel and an unforgettable stay in Doha.
Cumulative spending by international tourists through November exceeds €118,000 M, up 16.7%
Data from Frontur and Egatur of the INE.
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu Officially Debuts In Nepal
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu Marks the Hyatt Centric Brand Debut in Nepal.
Holland America Line Announces $70M Multi-Year Expansion
Investment in Alaska means enhanced experience at the doorstep of Denali National Park.
Reset in 2025 with these Wellness Experiences Around the World
Wellness travel is staying in focus this year, and French hospitality group Accor reports that wellness trends in 2025 include a return to the basics, to accessible treatments and practices that are time-honored and true.
W Hotels Debuts in Brazil with the Unveiling of W São Paulo
Perched above the heart of São Paulo, the brand’s newest hotel reimagines luxury by drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant art, music, and architectural heritage.
Emirates Aviation University honours 288 emerging aviation leaders
Emirates Aviation University (EAU) has graduated another diverse, highly skilled class of 288 students who have mastered academic success to officially enter the rapidly evolving world of aerospace and aviation.
