NEW REGISTRATION LAW - Ralf Rogler

ON April 30, 2025 BY Ralf Rogler

New Registration Law – clear understanding and concrete actions to avoid chaos and secure funding

On January 1, 2025, the Federal Registration Act came into force in its new form. The most important change: German citizens no longer have to fill out and sign a registration form in accommodation establishments. In other words: The registration obligation for German guests was abolished by federal law.

However, guest contributions such as the visitor's tax are usually determined by the localities through registration at the accommodation establishment, guest cards with often comprehensive services, such as free public transport, are issued and charged, and statistical data on origin and length of stay are generated. The unromantic term "registration system" is therefore directly linked to current guest data and cash flows for tourist resorts and destinations.

Data collection previously linked to registration process

With the amendment to the registration law, a reduction in bureaucracy and a significant streamlining of hotel check-in processes were promised. A major breakthrough or even a revolution? The fact is that due to the requirements of tourist resorts regarding the registration system, the topic is causing a stir in the industry and has triggered ample discussions about its usefulness and feasibility.

How will the guest contribution be collected in the future?

Due to the ongoing travel boom within the country, new destinations are emerging, and in tourist resorts, given tight municipal budgets, the question of financing the necessary infrastructure arises. It is no wonder, then, that the demand for a guest contribution and a pragmatic collection system linked to the registration process is growing.

Does the amendment drive digitalization processes?

Reason enough to take a look at the practical handling in destinations and the hotel industry, to illuminate the effects on various levels, and to dare a look into the future.

Furthermore, the question arises: To what extent can digital systems meet the new requirements or even drive digitalization processes through this legal change? Guest data and money... now that's exciting!

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