Privacy and Cookies Notice

 

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 17/12/2024

The Travel & Hospitality Awards (“thawards.com,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information in compliance with applicable privacy laws worldwide, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the CAN-SPAM Act, and other relevant regulations.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Nominee Information: Data provided by nominees, including names, business details, contact information, and any materials submitted as part of the awards process.

• Review Data: Information related to reviews and evaluations submitted during the awards process.

• Partner and Marketing Data: Contact details and company information of qualified entries shared with selected partners.

• Website Usage Data: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website (e.g., IP addresses, browser types, and pages visited).

• Sensitive Information: In some cases, we may process sensitive data where explicitly required and consented to, in line with applicable laws.

2. Legal Bases for Processing

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

• Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent, such as agreeing to marketing communications or sharing data with partners.

• Legitimate Interests: For purposes such as improving our services, conducting the awards process, or sharing data with selected partners.

• Contractual Obligations: To fulfill obligations related to your participation in the awards process.

• Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws or regulations, including the GDPR and CAN-SPAM Act.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information collected for the following purposes:

• To manage and facilitate the awards nomination and evaluation process.

• To communicate with nominees regarding their submission and the status of the awards.

• To store review data and company contact details for up to three years for administrative and quality assurance purposes.

• To share qualified entries with selected partners based on legitimate interest for marketing purposes.

• To improve our website functionality and user experience.

• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and CAN-SPAM compliance.

4. Sharing of Information

We will not publish or disclose nominee data to the public without explicit consent. However, we may share your information as follows:

• With Selected Partners: Qualified entries may be shared with our partners for marketing purposes based on legitimate interest.

• With Service Providers: Third-party providers who assist us in managing our operations, provided they adhere to strict confidentiality and data protection obligations.

• As Required by Law: If disclosure is necessary to comply with legal obligations, regulatory requirements, or to protect our rights.

• In Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner, subject to applicable privacy laws.

5. International Data Transfers

Your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of your country of residence. Where such transfers occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent mechanisms, in compliance with GDPR and other regulations.

6. Data Retention

• We will store review data and nominee company names and contacts for a period of up to three years, unless a longer retention period is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

• After this period, your data will be securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access and Correction: Request access to or correction of the personal data we hold about you.

• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.

• Data Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal or business retention requirements.

• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for the use of your data where applicable.

• Objection to Processing: Object to data processing based on legitimate interest.

• Restriction of Processing: Request limitation on how your data is processed.

• Non-Discrimination: Exercise your rights without discrimination under applicable laws like the CCPA and GDPR.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at info@thawards.com.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include encryption, secure data storage, and access controls. However, no data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us enhance your experience, understand website usage, and personalize content.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the operation of our website.

• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website, enabling us to improve user experience.

• Functional Cookies: Allow the website to remember your preferences and provide enhanced functionality.

• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.

Managing Cookies:

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may impact website functionality. For more information on how to manage cookies, visit your browser’s help section.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page with the “Last Updated” date. Where changes are material, we will notify you via email or a prominent notice on our website.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

The Travel & Hospitality Awards (“thawards.com”)
Email: info@thawards.com
Address: 120 Warstone Lane, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6NZ

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may also contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO) at info@thawards.com.