Privacy Policy

Last updated: 18 June 2026. This Privacy Policy explains how the World GM Awards (“we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Programme”) handles personal information when you visit our website, submit a nomination, register to attend our gala, or otherwise correspond with our team. The World GM Awards is the global recognition programme honouring General Managers and senior leaders across hotels, resorts, restaurants, spa & wellness, tourism, and aviation. We are committed to processing your data lawfully, transparently, and only for the purposes described below. By using this website or engaging with the awards programme, you acknowledge the practices set out in this policy.

Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide to us directly and information gathered automatically as you use our site. Information you provide typically includes your name, job title, property or organisation, email address, telephone number, billing details, and the content of any nomination, supporting documentation, or message you send us. When you complete a nomination, you may also supply professional details about your leadership achievements, operational results, guest experience initiatives, and career milestones that you wish to be assessed by our independent jury.

Automatically collected information includes your device type, browser, operating system, IP address, referring pages, and details of how you navigate the site. This information helps us understand site performance and improve the experience for visitors. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18.

How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to operate the awards programme and to deliver the services you request. Specific purposes include:

• Processing and evaluating nominations and entries fairly against our published criteria.
• Communicating with you about your submission, shortlist status, results, and gala logistics.
• Managing gala registration, seating, accreditation, and attendee correspondence.
• Issuing invoices, processing payments, and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Sending programme updates, deadline reminders, and, where you have opted in, marketing communications about future editions.
• Maintaining the security, integrity, and performance of our website and systems.
• Complying with our legal, regulatory, and accounting obligations.

We process your data on the lawful bases of contract performance, our legitimate interests in running a credible, merit-based awards programme, your consent where required, and compliance with legal duties. You can withdraw consent for marketing at any time.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences, measure traffic, and improve functionality. Essential cookies are necessary for the site to operate and cannot be switched off in our systems. Analytics and performance cookies help us understand which pages are most useful so that we can refine our content. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect certain features. Where required by law, we will request your consent before placing non-essential cookies.

Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only where it is necessary to operate the programme or where we are legally required to do so. This may include disclosure to our independent jury and assessors for the purpose of evaluating nominations, to trusted service providers who support payment processing, email delivery, gala management, and IT hosting, and to professional advisers such as auditors and legal counsel. All third parties acting on our behalf are bound by contractual obligations to protect your data and to use it only for the purposes we specify.

Data Security

We maintain appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or alteration. These measures include encryption in transit, access controls, restricted administrative privileges, and regular review of our security practices. While no method of transmission or storage is entirely secure, we take reasonable steps to safeguard the information you entrust to us and to limit access to those who genuinely need it.

If we become aware of a data breach that is likely to affect your rights, we will notify you and the relevant authorities in accordance with applicable law.

Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to access the personal information we hold about you, to request correction of inaccurate data, and to ask us to delete data where there is no continuing reason to retain it. You may also object to certain processing, request that we restrict processing, ask for your data in a portable format, and withdraw any consent you have previously given. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below. We will respond within the timeframe required by law and may ask you to verify your identity before acting on a request.

International Transfers

The World GM Awards operates from the United Arab Emirates, and information you provide may be processed in, or transferred to, jurisdictions outside your country of residence. Where we transfer personal data internationally, we take steps to ensure it remains protected by appropriate safeguards, such as contractual protections with our service providers, consistent with the standards described in this policy.

Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including to meet legal, accounting, and reporting requirements. Nomination records and gala documentation may be kept to maintain the historical record of past editions and to verify previous winners. When data is no longer required, we securely delete or anonymise it.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or want to update your preferences, please contact our team. We welcome your enquiries and aim to resolve any concern promptly and courteously.

• Email: awards@goldentreeawards.com
• Phone / WhatsApp: +971 58 586 2014
• Address: Iris Bay Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For more about the programme and how to take part, see our About page, review the nomination fees, or read the frequently asked questions. Ready to put a leader forward? You can submit a nomination at any time.

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