Digitalisation is rapidly transforming the way we travel, work and even identify ourselves. You probably already use your mobile phone to manage hotel reservations, payments and airline tickets, for example. But maybe it doesn't feel very secure yet...
Well, from 2026, you'll be able to manage all these transactions with an official European solution guaranteeing maximum data privacy for a 100% secure process: This is the EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet).
Everything seems to indicate that this new tool, promoted by the European Union, will completely revolutionise the hotel experience; simplifying the guest identification process and raising security and privacy standards in tourist accommodations.
But how will this innovation really affect hotels? In this article, we explain what the European Digital Identity Wallet is, how it will impact the hotel sector and, most importantly, how you can prepare your hotel for this new digital reality.
What is the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet)?
The European Digital Identity Wallet will be the official tool for European citizens, residents and businesses to digitally manage their ID documents, payments and other sensitive personal information. Its main objective is to ensure the secure, reliable and private management of our personal data.
Unlike current private solutions (e.g. e-wallets), the EUDI Wallet will be officially endorsed and will allow us to control exactly what data we share about ourselves and with whom. Its full rollout is planned for the end of 2026 in all European Union member states, including Spain.
The Impact of the European Digital Wallet on the Hotel Sector
Currently, hotels in Spain are required by law to record the personal data of all their guests, a process they often carry out manually. Unfortunately, this task often causes long waits, introduces errors and ultimately leads to a slow experience for guests.
But now, with the arrival of the EUDI Wallet, hotels will have the opportunity to optimise these processes by having guest registration and identity validation completely digitalised.
Main Benefits for Hotels and Guests
The following are the main benefits the arrival of the European Digital Wallet will bring to hotels:
- Faster, more secure check-in: Each guest will be able to digitally identify themselves from their own mobile phone, considerably speeding up the check-in process.
- Improved customer experience: Less bureaucracy means more time to provide personalised service to each guest.
- Improved compliance: Adherence to demanding regulations such as the GDPR will also be made easier through more secure digital processes.
- Greater personalisation: Experiences better tailored to the preferences of guests can be offered with their express consent.
- Savings and efficiency: Administrative errors and costs will be reduced, thus increasing your hotel's operational efficiency.
Challenges faced by hotels
However, the implementation of the EUDI Wallet in hotels also poses certain challenges that should not be underestimated. For example:
- Technological integration: Your current system (e.g. PMS or booking platform) will need to be modified or updated to make them 100% compatible with this new European digital wallet.
- Interoperability: All your hotel's technology will need to integrate seamlessly with the European digital ecosystem.
- Dual systems: It's quite likely that some guests will continue to prefer traditional methods at first, forcing you to maintain these alternatives for at least a while.
- Regulatory complexity: You will also need to follow the European eIDAS 2.0 regulation closely to ensure you're not being left behind by the new ecosystem or are facing potential sanctions.
How to Prepare Your Hotel for the EUDI Wallet
Do you want to take full advantage of this technological opportunity in your establishment? If so, we recommend you start right now to prepare your hotel for the arrival of the European Digital Wallet. A good way is by assessing your current infrastructure and consider adopting modern, scalable technologies that facilitate future integration of the EUDI Wallet.
Having a specialist technology partner to accompany you on this path to digital transformation can make all the difference. At Omnitec Systems, we have extensive experience in digital solutions specifically tailored to the hotel sector: from electronic access systems to safes.
If you want to optimise your guests' experience and fully prepare for the arrival of the EUDI Wallet, contact Omnitec Systems. We will be happy to help you design a comprehensive technology solution tailored to your hotel.