PRIVACY POLICY

Privacy Policy


Effective Date: 1 January 2016
Last Updated: 31 December 2025


The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) and its affiliated initiatives respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information across our websites, digital platforms, communications, and marketing channels.


This policy applies to the following domains and their related services:


  • worldfoodtravel.org
  • community.worldfoodtravel.org
  • academy.worldfoodtravel.org
  • podcast.worldfoodtravel.org
  • jointasteofplace.org


Collectively referred to in this policy as “we,” “us,” or “our.”


1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to:


  • Name
  • Email address
  • Organization or affiliation
  • Country or region
  • Job title or professional role
  • Account login credentials (for community or academy access)
  • Payment and billing information (processed via secure third-party providers)
  • Preferences related to communications or content
  • Any information submitted through forms, surveys, registrations, or downloads


We may also automatically collect limited technical information when you visit our sites, such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and operating system
  • Referring URLs
  • Pages viewed and time spent on pages
  • Device identifiers (where permitted by law)


2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for legitimate organizational and operational purposes, including to:


  • Provide access to our websites, community, academy, and digital content
  • Deliver reports, newsletters, resources, and requested materials
  • Administer memberships, training programs, certifications, and events
  • Communicate updates related to our work, initiatives, and mission
  • Manage email and SMS communications (where consent has been given)
  • Improve website performance, user experience, and content relevance
  • Maintain security, prevent misuse, and ensure platform integrity
  • Meet legal, accounting, or regulatory obligations


We do not sell personal data.


3. Marketing and Communications

We communicate with our audiences through multiple channels, including:


  • Email newsletters and announcements
  • Transactional and service-related emails
  • SMS or messaging services (where explicitly opted into)
  • Websites and landing pages
  • Social media platforms and associated engagement tools
  • You may receive communications if you:
  • Subscribe to our mailing lists
  • Download reports or resources
  • Register for events, webinars, or training
  • Join our community or academy
  • Engage with our campaigns or initiatives


You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link provided in our emails or by contacting us directly. Transactional or service-related messages may still be sent when necessary.


4. Cookies and Analytics

Our websites may use cookies and similar technologies to:


  • Enable essential site functionality
  • Understand how visitors interact with our content
  • Improve performance and usability
  • Measure campaign effectiveness


Where required by law, cookie consent mechanisms are provided. You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or applicable consent tools.


5. Third-Party Services


We may use trusted third-party service providers to support our operations, such as:


  • Email and marketing automation platforms
  • Payment processors
  • Learning management systems
  • Community platforms
  • Website analytics tools
  • Hosting and infrastructure providers


These providers process data only on our instructions and are required to apply appropriate security and confidentiality measures.


6. Data Sharing and Disclosure


We do not sell or rent personal data. We may share information only when:


  • Required to provide a requested service
  • Necessary to operate our platforms and programs
  • Required by law or regulatory authority
  • Needed to protect our rights, users, or systems


7. International Data Transfers


As a global organization, your data may be processed or stored outside your country of residence. Where applicable, we use appropriate safeguards to ensure lawful and secure international data transfers.


8. Data Retention


We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.


9. Your Rights


Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including:


  • Access to your personal data
  • Correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion of personal data
  • Restriction or objection to processing
  • Withdrawal of consent
  • Data portability


Requests can be submitted using the contact details below. We respond in accordance with applicable laws.


10. Data Security


We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. No system can be guaranteed 100 percent secure, but we take data protection seriously.


11. Children’s Privacy


Our websites and services are not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.


12. Changes to This Policy


We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our websites with a revised effective date.


13. Contact Us


For privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns, please contact us via email here.


World Food Travel Association