Overview

The hospitality industry is among the most susceptible sectors when it comes to data breaches globally. Improper handling of personal data can result in hefty fines, eroded guest trust, and significant damage to a brand’s reputation - challenges that no business can afford to overlook. It’s essential to understand that data protection is not solely an IT or Management concern, but that all employees play a crucial role.

For managers requiring more detailed information use the module A Hospitality Managers Guide to Data Protection. This resource will provide relevant guidelines to manage data protection in the workplace.

The module begins by simply contextualizing Data Protection legislation, including the newly introduced Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA). It conveys a vital message: every employee plays a crucial role in safeguarding the privacy of both guests and colleagues in the workplace.

The module delves into the various types of personal data, including sensitive data, and explore relevant examples tailored to different departments within the hospitality industry. Additionally, we examine the personal data that businesses maintain about their employees. To facilitate the retention of key actions for data security, a set of 6 golden rules are introduced. These principles are not just theoretical; they are designed to be practically applied in the work environment, ensuring that data remains secure and protected.

In hospitality, most data problems come from everyday mistakes and these are explored including using strong passwords, handling e mails securely and identifying and reporting risks. The importance of reporting any requests by guests to see their data is considered and awareness of children’s rights under the new DUAA 2025 along with sharing information is enhanced using examples. Furthermore, the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) is clearly defined, highlighting the importance of escalating any concerns that arise. This module also touches on PCI compliance in the context of card payment handling, showcasing its relationship with Data Protection standards.

To further enhance your knowledge, a detailed module on Handling Customer Card Payments Securely is readily available, providing practical insights into PCI compliance tailored to the hospitality sector.

Key benefits of this module:

• Understand why handling personal data securely matters in their role
• Identify different types of personal and sensitive data for guests and employees
• Apply 6 golden rules to day to day handling of personal data in the workplace
• Identify ways to keep personal information secure in the workplace
• Use strong passwords and be aware of scam e mails
• Understand the importance of reporting potential risks
• Identify how to respond to a guest SARs request
• Be aware of PCI compliance standards with a view to learning more if needed
• Know situations when personal data can be shared and follow the guidelines to do this securely
• Know where to find further information if want to research further

Format

The course is delivered fully online and is split into four highly interactive sections. Learners will engage with questions and activities that use real hospitality situations and finish with a quiz to ensure points are remembered and understood. The module may be completed in short sections over a period of time or all at one go! In addition, there are links to websites and documents that can be used to research further learning.

Learning Objectives

By completing this training, Managers will be able to:

• Recognise different types of personal and sensitive data found in hospitality
• State why protecting personal data is important
• Apply the ‘golden rules’ of handling personal data safely to your role
• Demonstrate how to spot risks and report them correctly

Accreditation

This module is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality with CPD points

Who Should Take This Course?

This module is designed for Hospitality team members who handle in any way personal information from guests or employees. It centres on hotels but would also meet the needs of other types of hospitality companies with similar job roles.

For managers requiring more detailed information use the module A Hospitality Managers Guide to Data Protection. This resource will provide relevant guidelines to manage data protection in the workplace

Handling Personal Data in Hospitality – a Guide for Operational Teams may contribute to the off job training hours for learners undertaking some Level 2 apprenticeships or other customer service qualifications.

Test

At the end of the course, learners complete a 22 question quiz in the same style as the learning activities (drag-and-drop, single choice, multiple choice). The pass mark is 80%, with unlimited retakes available.

Post-Module Action Plan

Learners can download our unique action plan from within the module and complete. A series of questions asks learners to apply the information in the module to their workplace to identify areas where they can enhance their every day working practices to be more data compliant. Action plans can be discussed with Managers to ensure their team are fully aware of procedures and to pick up action points for the whole team

In addition, there are links to websites and documents that can be used to research further learning.