The landscape of vacation rentals in Spain has undergone a significant shift with the enforcement of Royal Decree 933/2021 on December 2, 2024. This new regulation by the Ministry of the Interior (MIR) introduces the SES Hospedajes system, a platform that centralizes the registration of guest data.
The goal of this change is to strengthen security and traceability in tourism. However, it has also sparked controversy among property owners and managers due to increased administrative obligations and the handling of sensitive data. In this article, we explore how this regulation is affecting the sector and how tools like Hostify can make this transition smoother.
What is SES Hospedajes, and How Does It Impact the Sector?
SES Hospedajes is the new platform introduced by the MIR to replace previous systems used by the Guardia Civil (HospederĂas) and the National Police (Webpol). All tourist accommodations in Spain, except those in Catalonia and the Basque Country, where local regulations apply, must now use SES Hospedajes to register guests and send the required information.
Key Changes with SES Hospedajes:
- Data Centralization: Guest and booking data are sent to a single national platform.
- More Mandatory Information: Detailed guest information, including payment methods, booking amounts, and bank data, must now be recorded.
- Inclusion of Minors: Even guests under 14 years old must be registered.
- Responsibility of Property Owners: It is the property owner, not the manager, who must create and manage the SES account.
Early Implementation: Challenges and Controversies
The rollout of SES Hospedajes has not been without its issues. During its initial days, the platform experienced outages due to high registration volumes, making it difficult for many managers and property owners to comply with the new requirements promptly.
Increased Administrative Burden
The rise in the amount of data that must be collected and submitted has significantly added to the workload. Sensitive information, such as payment methods and banking details, is now part of the registration process, raising concerns about data security and compliance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
Technical and Logistical Challenges
The transition to SES Hospedajes requires adequate technological infrastructure and staff training, which were not fully prepared at the time of implementation. The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations (CEHAT) has voiced concerns over the lack of clear procedures, highlighting that this regulation could lead to confusion and operational chaos.
Sector-Wide Controversy
The regulation has been met with skepticism by vacation rental associations, arguing that it discourages small property owners due to its complexity. In regions such as Andalusia or the Valencian Community, where tourism is a vital part of the economy, these restrictions have fueled intense debate.
How Hostify Simplifies This Transition
In this context of change, technology platforms like Hostify offer solutions designed to reduce administrative burdens and simplify regulatory compliance. Hostify, a vacation rental property management software, automatically integrates SES Hospedajes into its features, allowing managers to adapt effortlessly.
Benefits of Using Hostify with SES Hospedajes
- Automated Guest Registration: Hostify enables the automatic collection and submission of the data required by SES Hospedajes, eliminating manual errors.
- GDPR Compliance: The platform ensures secure handling of sensitive information.
- Time Savings: Thanks to automation, Hostify users have reduced the time spent on guest registration by 40%.
- Specialized Technical Support: Hostify provides assistance to connect properties to SES Hospedajes and resolve any issues that arise.
Practical Guide to Connecting Your Account to SES Hospedajes
- Register Your Properties on SES Hospedajes:
- Access the SES Hospedajes platform and complete the initial registration.
- Add all your properties under a single account.
- Obtain Your Connection Credentials: You will receive an email with the required credentials: landlord code, establishment codes, username, and password.
- Connect SES Hospedajes to Hostify:
- Log into your Hostify account and enter the credentials in the SES Hospedajes configuration section.
- Validate the provided data and save the changes.
- Activate Automatic Data Submission: Once integrated, Hostify will automatically send the required information after each check-in.
A Step Forward or a Barrier?
The implementation of the SES Hospedajes system reflects the Spanish Government’s efforts to centralize and enhance security in the tourism sector. However, the early days have revealed the technical and administrative challenges faced by property owners and managers.
In this scenario, Hostify stands out as an essential ally for those looking to comply with the regulation without compromising guest experience. If you want to optimize the management of your vacation rental business, try Hostify and see how technology can make a difference.
Ready to simplify the management of your properties? Request a free demo with Hostify.
