It was only a matter of time before the Government would allow the digital signature of hotel check-in forms, and the new regulation, published in the BOE, will come into force on 28th April.
In addition, the hotel register may now be kept in digital format.
New order INT/321/2021, of 31 March
The new law INT/321/2021, of 31 March, amends the law INT/1922/2003, of 3 July 2003, on hotel registers and entry reports for travellers in hotel and catering establishments and other similar establishments, with regard to documentary registration obligations.
Due to the situation caused by COVID-19, priority is being given to the need to establish measures aimed at protecting the well-being, health and safety of citizens and containing the progression of the disease. In this regard, it is considered a priority to establish mechanisms that, such as streamlining check-in procedures in hotels and similar establishments, that guarantee the safety of citizens and tourists staying in establishments in the national territory.
Due to the situation caused by COVID-19, priority is being given to the need to establish measures aimed at protecting the well-being, health and safety of citizens and containing the progression of the disease. In this regard, it is considered a priority to establish mechanisms that, such as streamlining check-in procedures in hotels and similar establishments, that guarantee the safety of citizens and tourists staying in establishments in the national territory.
he main problem with the previous regulation (Order INT/1922/2003 of 3 July 2003) was that it did not allow for the possibility of signing passenger entry reports in digital format or keeping the log books in digital format.
Covid-19 has had a drastic impact on the hotel industry, so it was a priority to streamline check-in procedures by going digital, in order to reinforce user security. The new regulation therefore emphasises two processes linked to check-in in hospitality establishments:
- Passenger entry reports may be signed in digital format, and may also be completed using computerised procedures.
- Log books may be kept in digital format, and must be compatible with the electronic means of the State Security Forces and Corps and allow secure processing in order to guarantee the reliability of the data.
Furthermore, the logbook must be available to the Security Forces and Corps at all times and must be kept for 3 years, which means that special attention must be paid to the processing of personal data during this period, in compliance with the AEPD data protection regulations.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, this update of the law will help to streamline processes, make them more sustainable, secure and cost-saving.
At Mobbeel we have solutions for the hotel industry that allow you to digitise the signature process, whether for travellers’ reports, orders, tickets or any other document that may require a signature in a hotel.
In addition, beyond allowing signature on a tablet at reception, we can offer web-environment technology, allowing guests to sign on their own mobile device and avoid physical contacts as much as possible.
If you are interested in our technology do not hesitate to contact us, and if you liked the article, share it and add value to your followers!
I am a Computer Engineer who loves Marketing, Communication and companies’ internationalization, tasks I’m developing as CMO at Mobbeel. I am loads of things, some good, many bad… I’m perfectly imperfect.
