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Madrid updates tourism rules and recognises new types of accommodation
The regional Assembly has approved a regulation that updates Madrid's tourism framework. It recognises hostels and spaces for overnight stays in motorhomes. It also expands rights and guarantees for travellers and businesses. The previous regulation dated from 1999.
Madrid's tourism regulations were still based on a law from 1999.
The Plenary of the regional Assembly has today approved a new Ley de Ordenación del Turismo. The text updates the rules to adapt them to the changes the sector has experienced.
Among the newly recognised types of accommodation are hosterías (hostels) and areas to accommodate and allow overnight stays for motorhomes. Camper vans and similar vehicles are also included. The regional Government links the reform to the emergence of new forms of lodging and to users' needs.
The law expands the rights and duties of customers and the guarantees required of professionals. It includes provisions on insurance and other coverages, establishes price freedom, and updates the conditions for access to and stay in accommodation.
The law also revises the sanctions regime to adapt it to the Ley de Defensa de Consumidores y Usuarios. It introduces changes in tourism inspection and discipline. The stated aim is to provide greater legal certainty and make it easier to apply the rules.
The recognised categories define which types of accommodation are covered by tourism regulations. The conditions for access and stay establish part of the day-to-day relationship between establishments and customers. The guarantees and coverages set out the obligations of companies within this framework. The new law brings these issues together along with the inspection rules.