Benidorm local outlines huge change facing tourists could be completely disastrous

A YouTuber based in Benidorm has spoken out on a contentious Spanish law that may spell trouble for the tourism sector. The regulation, expected to debut in December of this year, would mandate UK vacationers to submit 43 different items of data upon checking into Spanish accommodations like apartments and hotels.

This could include revealing bank details and has drawn parallels with the draconian surveillance depicted in George Orwell's "1984". In the face of substantial criticism, the Spanish government has shelved the amendments for now, but still hasn't dismissed their potential implementation.

Lucy Young, known as The Benidorm Enthusiast and operator of the 'Benidorm Stuff' expressed her concerns: "From what I've seen online already, it seems most tourists are completely against this and I completely get it. I just don't see why they would need to store anybody's bank details."

She questioned the safety and privacy implications of such a law: "And where will it all be stored? Is it safe and secure? Who will have access to it? In my experience, Spain can be quite far behind when it comes to technology."

She warned of the potential consequences if sensitive personal information were to be concentrated in such a manner: "So, creating a database where so much personal data and information is stored together could be an absolute dream for terrorists and organised crime gangs," reports the Express.

Lucy also predicted the potential negative impact on local livelihoods: "It could be completely disastrous for the tourism industry here, the main industry which most of Spain relies on. It is bonkers, if you ask me, complete overkill."

She warned that a potential breach of the database could provide hackers with all they need to steal money and identities, describing the possibilities as "scary and don't even bear thinking about". The Spanish government has argued that the new measures will enhance safety, allowing the Ministry of Interior to monitor people's locations and keep an eye on potential terrorist activities and criminal gangs.

However, Lucy expressed her scepticism: "I personally don't really trust in the Spanish government to keep all that data safe and secure. Some people have even stated they will boycott Spain if this comes into effect and I get that too."

The hotel industry is reportedly worried that these measures could increase staff workloads and deter visitors who may be reluctant to share additional personal information. Car companies will gather 64 details, while accommodations will collect 43, including email addresses, credit card numbers, check-in and out times, bank details, addresses, phone numbers, and guest relationships.

Fernando Grande-Marlaska's interior ministry stated that the register was necessary "because of the need to guarantee public security in the face of terrorist threats and other crimes committed by terrorist organisations". A vote on suspending the so-called 'Big Brother Tourism' is due in Congress, according to Forbes.

The new regulation is set to be implemented on December 2, but the People's Party Group has pointed out in a proposal compiled by Europa Press that the introduction of the text "represents serious disadvantages" for tourism and compliance is "unfeasible" in its current form. However, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has been in touch with several associations and assured them that no more data than what is already collected would be required.

The Minister stated that this would be later detailed in a ministerial order.