Spain is introducing measures that will significantly change the rules of operation for hospitality businesses and the tourist experience.
Season on Spanish market and its islands are bringing legal news that could affect the guest experience and travel logistics. According to amendments to the National Labour Agreement in hospitality, Spain is introducing strict rules related to outdoor work during extreme weather conditions. This regulation is primarily aimed at protecting the health of employees in the sector but directly changes the operating conditions for hospitality establishments in popular destinations.
Impact on the business of caterers and agencies
According to new guidelines, if the competent services issue an orange or red weather alert due to high temperatures, establishments are obliged to reduce or completely close their outdoor terraces. Serving guests is still permitted in air-conditioned indoor spaces, but this approach presents challenges in capacity management during the summer months.
In the event that caterers do not provide appropriate conditions or force employees to work outdoors during a red alert, the labour inspectorate foresees financial penalties exceeding fifty thousand euros. To avoid infringements, owners must ensure the cooling of indoor spaces or adjust staff working hours. For travel agencies and tour operators, this means a need for better communication with local partners and timely adjustment of itineraries for groups.
Climate challenges and tourism regulations
Meteorological forecasts for this year indicate the return of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which could result in longer heatwaves across Europe and the Mediterranean. High temperatures are expected between May and July, suggesting that terrace bans could be activated more frequently during the hottest parts of the day.
These rules come at a time when Spain is grappling with the consequences of over-tourism. The introduction of new fees, such as those in Vigo, and other measures are being implemented.Regulations for cruise ship movement in Barcelona show that destinations are actively seeking ways to manage resources more sustainably. With introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), Travel to Spain is becoming significantly more complex, requiring greater expertise and knowledge from travel agents, agencies, and tour operators.
