Spain boycott fears as locals fight major tourist registration plans
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Spain is facing a major tourism backlash, with locals and businesses up in arms over a new tourist registration system that’s been labelled ‘Big Brother’ by critics. The controversial law, which came into force on December 2, requires visitors to provide a mountain of personal information before they can even check into their accommodation – and it’s sparking fears that Spain’s image as a go-to holiday hotspot could be seriously damaged.
The new rule, part of Royal Decree 933/2021, forces anyone renting out accommodation or vehicles to register each tourist and collect a vast array of personal details. Tourists could be fined up to €30,000 if this information is not submitted correctly. But the move has been slammed by the tourism sector, with many claiming it’s a step too far in the digital age, risking both privacy and convenience for travellers, Majorca Daily reports.
The Partido Popular (PP), Spain’s main opposition party, has wasted no time in launching a full-scale campaign against the law. They’re accusing the government of ignoring warnings from the tourism industry and pushing through a regulation that creates “legal uncertainty” and a mountain of paperwork for businesses. In fact, the PP believes the law gives Spain a disadvantage, as other European countries don’t impose the same registration requirements.
The criticism is especially loud in Mallorca, a top tourist destination that could see its bookings drop if the registration stays. Hoteliers are calling the law a disaster, worried that it will drive holidaymakers elsewhere. Some tour operators are even threatening to pull out of selling trips to the Balearics altogether if the law isn’t scrapped. And it’s not just the locals who are upset – tourists themselves are being warned that their privacy could be at risk.
