In an age where travel is easier than ever and digital processes are increasingly present, the protection of personal information in hotels takes on particular importance. For most people, reserving a room involves providing sensitive details such as ID numbers, phone numbers, or even bank details. However, the growing interest of tourists and public agencies in digital privacy has forced a review of current procedures for reserving a room. guest registration in tourist establishments.
Recent regulations have generated understandable concern among both travelers and the hospitality industry. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has published clear guidelines that directly affect the way hotels, hostels, tourist apartments and car rental companies collect and manage their customers' data, always seeking the balance between security and privacy.
New obligations regarding data collection in hotels
The AEPD has been forceful in indicating that It is not permitted to demand or keep copies of the ID or passport of those staying at a hotel or hiring similar services. According to the entity, requesting a photocopy of these documents implies a unnecessary and excessive treatment of the data, which violates the principle of minimization contained in European and national data protection regulations.
In the words of the Agency itself, content of the DNI or passport includes information beyond what the law requires for registration purposes: photograph, expiration date, CAN (access code) or even the name of the parents. Therefore, limiting oneself to taking only the strictly necessary data reduces risks associated with possible misuse, such as identity theft.
Legislation requires accommodations to collect specific data for security purposes, as part of citizen collaboration in crime prevention. The required information includes: Name and surname, gender, ID number, nationality, date of birth, place of residence, contact information, details of the stay and payment methodMany of these data are not directly included in the ID document, and other data present in the document is not necessary.
The act of sending a copy of the DNI does not provide reliable verification of the guest's identity, as it can be easily manipulated or used by unauthorized third parties. Therefore, the recommendation is fill a form –whether physical or digital– during the check-in, and verify the data in person by presenting the original document only for verification, never for reproduction or storage.
Reactions and challenges for the hotel sector
The strict enforcement of these rules has not gone unnoticed by the tourism sector. Various European associations and tour operators They have expressed their concern about the impact of Spanish regulations, which they understand to be more restrictive and demanding than those of other countries in the European Union.
These organizations highlight the increased administrative burden and additional costs involved in complying with these requirements, especially for family businesses and small accommodationsMany international companies have already noticed delays and inefficiencies in their operations in Spain due to increased bureaucracy. This situation has led the European Commission to open a formal investigation to determine whether the Spanish system complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
While the evaluation continues in Brussels, industry insiders are stressing the importance of finding a balance between data protection and streamlined tourism management, pointing out that regulatory complexity could make Spain less competitive as a destination.
Cybersecurity During the Holidays: Risks and Practical Tips
The summer months bring with them, in addition to the increase in travelers, greater activity cybercriminals interested in stealing personal informationTactics such as phishing, smishing, and fraudulent pages related to hotel reservations increase during the high season, affecting both users and companies in the sector.
Handing over your ID without precautions –whether in hotels or on online platforms– is a common mistake that can lead to crimes such as opening bank accounts in the victim's name or financial fraud. Therefore, cybersecurity specialists recommend that, if necessary, provide a copy of the ID, it should be in black and white and limit the visible information to what is strictly necessary; all other data (such as the expiration date, signature, or photograph) should be pixelated or removed. watermark indicating the reason why the document is being shared strengthens security and deters misuse.
Furthermore, under no circumstances should complete photocopies be sent to hotels or other accommodations, as this is expressly prohibited by law. Guests should always request information about how their data is collected and protected and prefer official channels for sending sensitive information.
During travel, it is essential Do not share details about your stay or real-time location on social media., avoid suspicious links, and check that booking pages have secure connections (https://). Cybersecurity education and preparation become essential allies for enjoying a vacation without problems.
Using Wi-Fi networks in hotels: maximize digital privacy
One of the most common risks in hotels is the use of public WiFi networksProviding personal information while browsing on shared connections can make it easier for intruders to access private information. Therefore, experts advise using mobile data whenever possible for sensitive tasks and, if using the hotel's Wi-Fi is essential, following recommendations such as activating the privacy options offered by modern devices.
In the case of iPhones, the functions of Private WiFi address and iCloud Private Relay They add extra layers of protection. These tools allow you to browse anonymously, making it difficult for hotel systems or third parties to track your habits or movements. It's always a good idea to keep software up to date and consider the use of VPN to encrypt the connection.
Other key suggestions include:
- Avoid open Wi-Fi networks for banking or personal transactions.
- Ensure reservations and payments are made only on verified and protected pages.
- Be wary of overly attractive offers and last-minute promotions received via messaging or social media.
- Set up two-step authentication on all critical accounts.
The tourism accommodation environment is increasingly digital, and the value of personal data has grown in parallel. With legal changes and the increase in cyberattacks, both travelers and businesses must be more cautious than ever. Active collaboration among stakeholders and the implementation of digital hygiene measures can make the difference between a peaceful stay or a security issue with long-term consequences.
