Outrage as New ‘Big Brother’ Law Requires Brits to Share Sensitive Data on Spain Visits Starting October
Hotel owners have expressed concerns that the new law will add extra work for already overburdened staff, with meetings held in Majorca between authorities and tourism leaders to address the issue.
There are also growing worries that tourists may opt for other destinations if they’re uncomfortable with sharing personal details with the police.
Despite the backlash, the Spanish government has defended the measure, stating that it aims to enhance national security.
The Interior Ministry emphasized the need to track who is staying in hotels and apartment complexes across Spain.
This comes amid a wave of anti-tourism protests in Spain, including incidents in Barcelona where protesters sprayed tourists with water guns.
Barcelona’s mayor has also vowed to phase out short-term tourist rentals in the city within the next five years.
Mayor Jaume Collboni believes this initiative will help make Barcelona more affordable for young residents, many of whom have been pushed out by skyrocketing rents.
In the past decade, rental prices in Barcelona have surged by around 70 percent, while property purchase prices have risen more moderately, increasing by 39 percent.
Meanwhile, in Majorca, locals have launched a campaign to “reclaim the beaches” from tourists, with protests taking place throughout the summer.
In one alarming video, a woman blocks a path to the popular Caló des Moro cove as a local shouts at tourists to “go, go, go!”
In another incident, over 200 activists gathered at Caló des Moro — a hotspot for social media influencers and tourists — to heckle anyone attempting to sunbathe or swim in the area.
