A YouTuber known for her videos about Benidorm has voiced her concerns over a contentious Spanish law that could spell disaster for the tourism industry.
The legislation, due to come into effect this December, will require UK holidaymakers to provide 43 pieces of information upon checking into Spanish hotels or apartments, including the likes of bank details.
But it’s sparked a huge backlash, with some comparing the level of surveillance to George Orwell’s 1984, and the Spanish Congress is due to vote on suspending the law today (October 22)
Lucy Young, also known as The Benidorm Enthusiast and who runs the ‘Benidorm Stuff‘ YouTube channel, has expressed her opposition to the law, stating that most tourists are “completely against” it.
She said: “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 added: “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.”
“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.”
Lucy chimed in: “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 anyone who managed to hack into the database would have everything they need to steal cash and people’s identities, describing the possibilities as “scary and don’t even bear thinking about”.
The Spanish government has said the new measures will enhance safety and allow the Ministry of Interior to monitor where people are staying and keep an eye on terrorists and gangs.
But added: “And 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.”
There are concerns within the hotel industry that the measures would increase staff workloads and deter people from visiting Spain due to their reluctance to provide the additional personal information.
Car firms would gather 64 details, while accommodations will collect 43. The details include email addresses, credit card numbers, check-in and out times, bank details, addresses, phone numbers, and the relationships between guests.
The interior ministry led by Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that the register was essential “because of the need to guarantee public security in the face of terrorist threats and other crimes committed by terrorist organisations”.