Spanish authorities have been cautioned that new travel registration rules introduced on Monday could discourage tourists from visiting the country. 

The 31-point regulation requires accommodation providers to collect extensive details for all travelers aged 14 and above. This includes full names, ID numbers, home and email addresses, phone numbers, payment details, passport numbers, and bank account information. 

The Spanish Ministry of Interior claims the measures aim to combat terrorism and organized crime by closely monitoring visitors entering the country. 

However, travel industry experts warn that the complexity and extent of the data collection may deter tourists. Michele Massa, CEO of Ibiza Summer Villas, told *Express.co.uk*: "The new rules now require us to gather even more information from all guests staying in our villas." 

"Accommodation providers across Spain already have to take passport and identification details - that's something British tourists are used to, but now we have to also collect their bank account and card details and hold onto them for three years.

"To be honest, we're still a little confused about exactly how much personal data is needed and where we need to pass it onto, the rules are still unclear and that's something felt by most private accommodation providers across Spain.

"There's a lot of pressure on British tourists already not to enter Spain, and if there's now extra deterrents as more of their personal information is being withheld, it may entice them to go elsewhere."

Coming into force at the beginning of December, the new system sparked widespread disapproval after it proved "problematic," reportedly creating issues for the travel agency sector. It is unclear when the system will work seamlessly, with reports claiming that it was blighted by issues throughout the testing phase.

Cindy Scott, a travel expert and founder of Cinders Travels agrees that the measures are excessive and have potential to be counter-productive for an economy which relies heavily on tourism.

Ms Scott told Express.co.uk: "The fact that the system crashed on day one says a lot. It's a sign of poor preparation, which is worrying when personal data is involved. When you're handing over sensitive information, you expect it to be handled with care, not stored in a system that can't handle basic functionality.

"British travellers, who are known for their independent style of travel, could be particularly affected. They're used to flexibility and easy movement, and when that changes, destinations with smoother entry requirements become more appealing.

"That shift doesn't just hurt travellers-it impacts businesses in the countries they visit, from local tour operators to restaurants relying on tourism."