Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 16, 2025

1. Introduction

Cape Travellers Guide ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

2. Data Controller

Cape Travellers Guide Association
Email: privacy@capetravellersguide.com
Location: Western Cape, South Africa

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide
  • Tourist Contact Information: Name, email address, inquiry messages
  • Guide Registration: Name, email, password, registration number, bio, profile picture, tour details, location
  • Communication Data: Tour inquiries, feedback responses
3.2 Automatically Collected Information
  • Cookies & Tracking: Cookie preferences, session data
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, referral sources (only if analytics cookies enabled)
  • Technical Data: IP address (hashed), browser type, device information

4. How We Use Your Information

  • Service Delivery: Connect tourists with tour guides, facilitate bookings
  • Communication: Send inquiry confirmations, feedback requests, service updates
  • Account Management: Maintain guide profiles and authentication
  • Legal Compliance: Consent logging, regulatory requirements
  • Improvement: Analyze usage patterns (with your consent)

5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

  • Consent: Cookie preferences, marketing communications, analytics
  • Contract Performance: Guide-tourist matching, inquiry processing
  • Legitimate Interest: Fraud prevention, security, service improvement
  • Legal Obligation: Compliance with applicable laws

6. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We may share your information with:

  • Tour Guides: Tourist inquiries shared with selected guides
  • Email Service Providers: SMTP servers for automated feedback emails
  • Analytics Providers: Only if you consent to statistics cookies
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law

We do not sell your personal information.

7. Data Retention

  • Tourist Inquiries: Retained for 2 years after last contact
  • Guide Profiles: Until account deletion requested
  • Consent Logs: 3 years for compliance audit
  • Email Communications: As per applicable retention policies

8. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your jurisdiction. We ensure adequate safeguards are in place, including:

  • Standard contractual clauses (SCCs)
  • Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
  • Your explicit consent where required

9. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access: Request a copy of your data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate information
  • Erasure: Request deletion (right to be forgotten)
  • Portability: Receive your data in machine-readable format
  • Restriction: Limit how we process your data
  • Objection: Object to specific processing activities
  • Withdraw Consent: Revoke cookie consent or marketing opt-ins
  • Complaint: Lodge complaints with your data protection authority

To exercise your rights, contact: privacy@capetravellersguide.com

10. CCPA/CPRA Rights (California)

California residents have additional rights:

  • Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how it's used
  • Right to Delete: Request deletion of your information
  • Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of sale/sharing (we don't sell data)
  • Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of privacy choices

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

11. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures including:

  • Password hashing (PBKDF2-SHA256)
  • Secure HTTPS connections
  • IP address hashing for consent logs
  • Regular security audits
  • Access controls and authentication

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such data, contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent website notice. Your continued use constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:

Email: privacy@capetravellersguide.com
Subject Line: "Privacy Request - [Your Request Type]"