British tourists in Spain to be tracked by their mobile phones

BRITS heading to Spain this year could have their movements tracked by the country’s government under a new scheme.

The whereabouts of holidaymakers in Spain will be followed through their mobile phones in a bid to establish the number of tourists in a given area.

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According to Travel Gossip, the scheme has been launched by the Spanish government with the National Institute of Statistics in Spain collecting the data.

Information such as where tourists have arrived from, where they go, and how long they stay in each place will be monitored.

The plans have received backlash from publications in Spain who’ve accused the Government of “spying” on tourists.

There are already some teething issues with the scheme, as only those who are in possession of a smartphone can be tracked.

While those holidaymakers who carry two mobile phones will be tracked twice – making the data inaccurate.

This announcement is the latest measure aimed at monitoring and reducing holidaymakers across Europe.

Over in Italy, tourists visiting Venice for the day will have to pay as much as €10 (£8.63) to enter from this summer, as city officials try to reduce tourist numbers.

The charge will see the popular Italian holiday destination become the first city in the world to require an admission cost.

It is hoped that the fee will curb “tourist peaks” and ensure people have “peaceful visits” in the future, while keeping Venice a “living city”.

A message on the UK’s Foreign Office website has warned: “Visitors to Venice and the surrounding islands for less than two nights are planned to be subject to for an entry fee between 3 and 10 euros from summer 2023.

“This will be payable via a dedicated website or through an app.

“Non-compliance may result in fines of up to 300 euros. Check with your travel operator before travelling.”

In better news for holidaymakers, those who want to travel around Spain this summer can do so for free.

Last July, the Spanish government introduced free rail journeys in a bid to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis in the country.

According to Euronews, Spain has extended the free train travel scheme until the end of 2023, which includes British tourists.

The free tickets are for medium-distance train rides, operated by Renfe.

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