Now that we have passed the effective date for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), what will the future hold and how ready is the hospitality industry to protect European data subjects? VENZA wanted to find out precisely that, so a GDPR Readiness Survey was released in April to decision makers within the hospitality industry.

This survey provided some interesting data, showing that 70 percent of participants were aware that fines could be assessed to businesses outside of Europe; however, 65 percent indicated that their companies were not prepared for GDPR compliance. Approximately 90 percent of the participants held management and executive level positions. Of the total respondents, 25 percent worked in operations, 32 percent were in accounting/finance, 10 percent were in technology and sales, and 23 percent were in the “other” category.

At the end of the survey, respondents were given the opportunity to provide additional feedback, comments or questions related to the GDPR. The responses ranged from typical concerns to one respondent noting direct opposition to the authority of the European Union to enforce this regulation: “No foreign entity can levy any fines or take an American to court that does not do business outside of the US. My reaction? Try me Europe. Your constitution and laws have no place in America!” This statement, although strong, echoes the tacit complacency of organizations that indicate they are aware of the regulation but not doing anything to prepare for its enforcement.

The results of the VENZA survey will be released via an advertisement in Hospitality Upgrade’s summer issue. Publications will be available at HFTP’s HITEC Convention in Houston. While you are there, be sure to stop by booth #825. VENZA is available to answer questions about the GDPR as it pertains to the hospitality industry, as well as provide information about its InfoSec Program.

The survey infographic is also available here. If these results are representative of your organization’s GDPR readiness, we invite you to seek guidance from VENZA on protecting guest data and consider signing up for GDPR Essentials™.