Spanish authorities have been warned that registration rules for travellers launched on Monday could lead to many holidaymakers abandoning the country.
The new 31-point rule compels those housing tourists to log 31 details about all travellers aged 14 or over including names and surnames, ID numbers, home address and email addresses, telephone numbers, card details, passport number and account numbers.
The Spanish Ministry of Interior says the plans will help to “fight terrorism and organised crime” by keeping comprehensive tabs on the people entering the country.
But travel experts have warned that it could put people off of the country due to confusion over why so much information is needed.
Michele Massa, CEO and travel expert at Ibiza Summer Villas told Express.co.uk: “The new rules being enforced means that we now have to compile additional details from all of our guests staying at our villas.
“Accommodation providers across Spain already have to take passport and identification details – that’s something British tourists are used to, but now we have to also collect their bank account and card details and hold onto them for three years.
“To be honest, we’re still a little confused about exactly how much personal data is needed and where we need to pass it onto, the rules are still unclear and that’s something felt by most private accommodation providers across Spain.
“There’s a lot of pressure on British tourists already not to enter Spain, and if there’s now extra deterrents as more of their personal information is being withheld, it may entice them to go elsewhere.”
Coming into force at the beginning of December, the new system sparked widespread disapproval after it proved “problematic,” reportedly creating issues for the travel agency sector. It is unclear when the system will work seamlessly, with reports claiming that it was blighted by issues throughout the testing phase.
Cindy Scott, a travel expert and founder of Cinders Travels agrees that the measures are excessive and have potential to be counter-productive for an economy which relies heavily on tourism.
Ms Scott told Express.co.uk: “The fact that the system crashed on day one says a lot. It’s a sign of poor preparation, which is worrying when personal data is involved. When you’re handing over sensitive information, you expect it to be handled with care, not stored in a system that can’t handle basic functionality.
“British travellers, who are known for their independent style of travel, could be particularly affected. They’re used to flexibility and easy movement, and when that changes, destinations with smoother entry requirements become more appealing.
“That shift doesn’t just hurt travellers—it impacts businesses in the countries they visit, from local tour operators to restaurants relying on tourism.”