Beautiful Destinations Research Panel Privacy Policy

Policy

This policy explains what personal data we collect when you join the Beautiful Destinations Research Panel (the "Panel"), how we use it, and what rights you have. 

 1. Who we are 

Beautiful Destinations Ltd ("Beautiful Destinations", "BD", "we", "us") operates the Panel and is responsible for your personal data.

Registered address: 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN, United Kingdom

Contact for privacy queries: research@beautifuldestinations.com

2. What information we collect

When you join the Panel or take part in surveys, we may collect:

• Your name (optional)
• Your email address (required, so we can contact you)
• Your country and/or city of residence
• Basic demographic details such as age range and gender
• Your survey responses about travel, attitudes, and preferences

We do not collect:

• IP addresses

• Device or location data

• Technical identifiers such as cookies or tracking pixels through the Panel

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal data such as information about ethnicity, health, religion, or political opinions. If such details appear in your open-text comments, we will review them and may remove them or apply additional safeguards before any analysis or reporting.

3. How we use your information 

 We use your information to:

• Invite you to participate in research activities
• Analyse survey responses to understand trends and travel preferences
• Produce anonymised or aggregated insights to inform our strategy and industry reporting

We do not sell or rent your personal data. We will never identify you personally in any published report, unless we have asked for and received your separate, explicit permission to do so.

 4. Anonymised datasets and licensed dashboards 

Over time, we may combine participant responses to build large, anonymised research datasets. These may be used in benchmark reports, industry summaries, and dashboards or insight tools licensed to BD's business clients.

To protect your privacy, we apply the following safeguards:

• Only aggregated statistics are shared (for example, "58% of women aged 25–34 in Europe…")
• Minimum sample size thresholds are applied so individual responses cannot be isolated
• Free-text comments are reviewed and may be removed or edited to prevent identification
• Clients never receive names, email addresses, or any data that could reasonably identify you
• If anonymisation cannot be guaranteed, your identifiable data will not be included

To be clear: we do not sell personal data.

 5. Legal basis for processing 

 We rely on your consent when you choose to join the Panel and take part in surveys. You may withdraw consent at any time by emailing: research@beautifuldestinations.com

Upon withdrawal:

• We will stop using your identifiable data
• Your contact information and profile will be deleted
• Anonymised survey data that has already been de-identified may be retained, as it can no longer be linked back to you

Depending on where you live, additional legal bases or rights may apply under local law. We aim to comply with all applicable privacy laws globally. Specific rights by region are set out in Section 11.

 6. Who has access to your data 

 Access to your personal data is limited to:

• BD employees involved in research and analysis
• Approved contractors supporting research or technology
• Secure service providers such as survey platforms and mailing tools

All staff and contractors are bound by confidentiality obligations. Service providers act as data processors and may only use your data on our written instructions.

We do not allow third parties to use your personal data for their own marketing or commercial purposes.

 7. How we store and protect your data

 We store your data in secure systems that meet industry-standard data protection and cybersecurity requirements. Our security controls include:

• Access restrictions so only authorised individuals can view your data
• Encryption where applicable
• Routine system monitoring and backups

We regularly review our security practices to reduce the risk of loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

 8. How long we keep your data

 We retain identifiable data for as long as you are an active panel member. We consider you active if you have participated in surveys or agreed to receive research invitations within the past 24 months.

If you become inactive or withdraw consent:

• Your contact details and profile will be deleted
• Anonymised survey responses (which can no longer be linked to you) may be retained for ongoing research purposes
• System backups may hold data briefly before secure deletion, typically up to 30–90 days

Where local laws require shorter or longer retention periods, we will comply with those requirements.

 9. Use of quotes or individual comments 

 If we ever wish to publish a quote or comment in a way that could be attributed to you, we will always ask for your explicit, written consent first. You are free to decline, and doing so will not affect your participation in the Panel. 

 10. International data transfers 

 We operate globally, which means your data may be processed in countries outside your own. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we use recognised legal safeguards, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission
• The UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA)
• The EU–US Data Privacy Framework (where our US-based processors are certified)
• Equivalent mechanisms under applicable local laws in other regions

We assess transfer risks and put supplementary measures in place where needed to ensure your data stays protected, regardless of where it is processed.

 11. Your privacy rights 

 Depending on where you live, you may have some or all of the following rights:

• Access: you can ask to see the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: you can ask us to fix inaccurate information
• Deletion: you can ask us to delete your data
• Withdrawal of consent: you can stop your participation at any time
• Objection or restriction: you can ask us to limit certain uses of your data
• Portability: you can ask for a copy of your data in a portable format (where applicable under your local law)

To exercise any of these rights, email us at: research@beautifuldestinations.com

We aim to respond to all valid requests within the timeframes required by applicable law (typically 30 days, with extensions permitted in complex cases).

UK residents

You are protected under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

EU residents

You are protected under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (DPA). A full list of EU DPAs is available at edpb.europa.eu.

US residents (California and other states)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) may give you additional rights, including:

• The right to know what personal information we collect, use, or disclose
• The right to delete your personal information
• The right to correct inaccurate personal information
• The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information — note that we do not sell or share personal data
• The right not to be discriminated against for exercising your rights

Residents of other US states with applicable privacy laws (including Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Texas, and others) may have similar rights. We honour valid requests from residents of all US states with applicable privacy legislation. To submit a request, email: research@beautifuldestinations.com

Australia and New Zealand

If you are based in Australia, your data is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). You have the right to access and correct your personal information and to make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au.

If you are based in New Zealand, your data is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Information Privacy Principles. You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at privacy.org.nz.

Other regions

If you are based elsewhere, we will do our best to honour your privacy rights in line with your local laws and the principles set out in this policy. Contact us at research@beautifuldestinations.com with any questions or requests.

 12. Automated decision-making 

 We do not use your data to make automated decisions that could have legal or similarly significant effects on you. We also do not conduct profiling for advertising or targeting purposes. 

 13. Age restrictions 

 The Panel is only open to individuals aged 18 and over. If we become aware that someone under 18 has joined, we will delete their data promptly. 

 14. Changes to this policy 

 We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. The latest version will always be available at: beautifuldestinations.com/privacy-panel

We will notify you directly if we make any significant changes that affect how your data is used.