Why Mallorca Hotels Are Happy About the EU Move
What’s the Issue?
For years, hotel owners in Mallorca have complained that Spain’s traveller‑registration rule asks them to collect too much personal data from guests. They say the rule is costly, hard to manage, and may clash with EU privacy laws.
What the Regulation Demands
The rule, known as Real Decreto 933/2021, forces hotels, travel agencies, car‑hire firms and other tourism businesses to:
- Collect names, passport numbers, addresses, phone numbers and payment details.
- Store this information for a set period.
- Send the data to government authorities.
Hotel groups argue that this goes far beyond what is needed for security and creates a big administrative burden.
Hotel Groups Speak Up
The Mallorca Hoteliers Federation (FEHM) and the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations (CEHAT) have warned that the current system:
- Increases the risk of cyber‑attacks and data leaks.
- Forces small businesses to spend money on IT security and staff training.
- May violate the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Despite their criticism, they stress that they still want to help police keep tourists safe.
What the European Commission Said
The European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Spain, saying the registration system might not comply with EU data‑protection rules. The Commission’s move is seen by FEHM as a validation of their long‑standing concerns.
What Happens Next?
FEHM is calling for:
- The immediate repeal of Real Decreto 933/2021.
- Talks between the Ministry of Interior and tourism industry reps to design a simpler, more balanced system.
- A new framework that protects public safety while respecting guests’ privacy and keeping costs reasonable for businesses.
If the Commission’s pressure leads to a rewrite, Mallorca’s hotels hope to see a rule that works for both law‑enforcement and the tourism sector.
Conclusion
The EU’s decision to challenge Spain’s traveller‑registration rule is a welcome sign for Mallorca’s hotel industry. It highlights the need for a system that protects security without overloading businesses with unnecessary data collection. Hotel leaders now urge the government to work with them to create a fairer, more practical solution.
Reference: Source
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