Germany finally abolishes hotel forms for domestic guests

Germany has officially abolished the requirement for domestic hotel guests to fill in a registration form after lobbying from business travel association VDR.

The federal government announced last year that it planned to end this practice for German citizens, but it will still apply to international guests staying at hotels in the country.

VDR said it “expressly welcomed” the move and added that it was part of its ongoing work to ensure “outdated bureaucratic regulations” are revised and adapted.

“This decision, which is based on the ‘traffic light’ coalition’s law to reduce bureaucracy, brings noticeable relief for travellers and hoteliers,” said VDR in a statement.

“Dispensing with the registration form not only simplifies processes in the hotel industry, but also speeds up check-in and reduces unnecessary administrative burdens.

“Simplifying reporting requirements is a significant advance that contributes to further digitalisation and increased efficiency in the travel industry. Modern technologies can now be increasingly used to optimise processes.

“The fact that this reform is now being implemented marks a milestone for the business travel industry and digitalisation in the tourism sector.”