ABC Hotel Chain and XYZ Travel Agency are joint controllers in this relationship, because they jointly determine the purposes and means of the processing of personal data of their customers. According to Article 26 of the GDPR, joint controllers are two or more controllers who jointly participate in the decision-making process regarding the processing of personal data 1. In this scenario, ABC Hotel Chain and XYZ Travel Agency use a common platform for collecting and sharing customer data, and they agree on the data to be stored, how reservations will be booked and confirmed, and who has access to the stored data. Therefore, they have a common influence on the processing of personal data and share a common objective of integrating their marketing efforts. Moreover, they offer a rewards program that allows customers to sign up to accumulate points that can be redeemed for free travel, which implies a joint benefit from the processing of personal data.
The other options are not correct because they do not reflect the actual roles of ABC Hotel Chain and XYZ Travel Agency in this relationship. A controller is a natural or legal person who alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data 2. A processor is a natural or legal person who processes personal data on behalf of the controller 3. In this scenario, neither ABC Hotel Chain nor XYZ Travel Agency act solely or on behalf of the other in processing the personal data of their customers. Rather, they act together in a collaborative manner and share the responsibility and accountability for the processing of personal data. Therefore, they are joint controllers, not independent controllers or controller and processor. Reference: 1: Article 26 of the GDPR 2: Article 4(7) of the GDPR 3: Article 4(8) of the GDPR