Britons furious over new Spain travel rules and protests as probe launched into holiday companies
A protest which happened in Tenerife
GETTY
In the recent wave of backlash to Spain's new travel rules and protests, the Spanish Government have started investigating major holiday rental companies across Spain and the islands.
The enquiry by the Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Law focused on licensed holiday lets that could be operating illegally through management companies.
The investigation follows a crackdown in Spain in June on unlicensed holiday lets advertising on platforms online including Airbnb.
Less than two weeks ago, there were new rules imposed on tourists in Spain, requiring them to give hotels and accommodation 31 new pieces of information.
Protests have been ongoing in parts of Spain over the past yearGETTY
The rules included further details on phone numbers, home and email addresses and Britons being asked about their relationship with their children and group size.
The Spanish government said the changes were imposed to "crackdown on organised crime".
A spokesman for the Interior Ministry previously said: "It is justified for the general interest for the security of citizens against the threat of terrorism and other serious offences committed by criminal organisations."
Any hotels that do not follow these new rules have the risk of being fined €30,000 (£25,000).
GB News users have been reacting to the news coming out from Spain.
One commenter said: "Over the years British Citizens have contributed enormously towards the Spanish economy via tourism. I'm boycotting Spain, let their economy suffer. I encourage UK travellers to do the same, they will be begging us to visit their country again."
Another added: "Won’t be going to Spain again."
One user could see the Spanish Government's perspective and said: "When you land in the USA, and maybe other countries, you are grilled on why you are there, where are you staying and how long for.
"There’s nothing wrong with a country being strict on who is coming in and asking these questions, if you have nothing to hide there isn’t a problem."
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Spain is a popular destination with A protest which happened in Tenerife
PAAnother user reflected on how things have changed in the last few years. The user said: "We visited Spain for many years from the 1960s through to 2019.
"We were so lucky - we had the best of Spain and Europe. Things are so different now."
The new rules imposed at the start of the month were influenced by protests that were seen across Spain over the course of the year. In July, around 20,000 protesters filled the streets of Palma de Majorca with posters targeting tourists from both Britain and Germany.
In the same month, Majorca locals were seen gathering in their hundreds as they demanded the end of mass tourism.
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