Privacy Policy – SA Tourism Online

Website: https://satourismonline.com/

1. Introduction

SA Tourism Online (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPIA”).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website, services, and subscription-based listings.

By using this website, you agree to the processing of your personal information as described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

a) Personal Details

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Business name (for listings)

• Billing and payment details

b) Business Listing Information

• Company descriptions

• Images, videos, and content submitted

• Website links and contact details

c) Technical Data

• IP address

• Browser type

• Device information

• Website usage data (via cookies and analytics tools)

POPIA requires transparency about what data is collected and why (https://secureprivacy.ai/).

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information when you:

• Register or subscribe for listings

• Submit a travel listing or directory entry

• Contact us via forms or email

• Browse our website (via cookies and analytics)

4. Purpose of Processing Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and manage travel listings and subscriptions

• Process payments and renewals

• Display your business on our platform

• Communicate with you (support, updates, marketing if consented)

• Improve website functionality and user experience

• Prevent fraud and ensure security

Under POPIA, personal data must be collected for a specific, lawful purpose (OAK Law).

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Your consent

• Performance of a contract (e.g., listing subscription)

• Legal obligations

• Legitimate business interests

POPIA requires explicit, informed consent for data processing (Cookiebot).

6. Subscriptions & Payments

When purchasing listing subscriptions:

• Payments are processed via secure third-party providers

• We do not store full credit card details

• Subscription data is used to manage billing and renewals

7. Sharing of Information

We may share your information with:

• Payment processors (e.g., PayFast, WooCommerce integrations)

• Hosting providers and technical service partners

• Marketing and analytics platforms

• Legal authorities where required by law

All third parties are required to comply with POPIA and protect your data.

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to:

• Enhance user experience

• Track website performance

• Analyze traffic and behavior

POPIA requires websites to inform users about cookies and obtain consent (Termly).

You can disable cookies via your browser settings.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Secure hosting environments

• Firewall and malware protection

• Access control and encryption

POPIA requires businesses to safeguard personal data against loss or unauthorized access (OAK Law).

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy

• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

11. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Correct or update your information

• Request the deletion of your data

• Withdraw consent

• Object to processing

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

These rights are fundamental under POPIA’s data subject protections (POPI Act Compliance).

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., booking platforms, travel partners).

We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

13. International Data Transfers

If your data is transferred outside South Africa, we ensure that:

• Adequate protection measures are in place

• Transfers comply with POPIA requirements

14. Children’s Information

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental consent.

15. Changes to This Policy

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

16. Email Marketing & Newsletter Subscriptions

We may offer users the option to subscribe to our newsletter and marketing communications.

By subscribing, you agree to receive:

• Travel updates and destination features
• New listings and promotions
• Special offers and partner deals
• News and updates from SA Tourism Online

We will only send marketing communications if:

• You have given explicit consent, or
• You are an existing customer and have not opted out

You can unsubscribe at any time by:

• Clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email, or
• Contacting us directly

We will never sell or distribute your email address to third parties for their own marketing purposes.

All email communications comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and applicable electronic communication laws.

17. Contact Information

If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights, contact:

SA Tourism Online
📧 Email: editor@ satourismonline.com 
🌐 Website: https://satourismonline.com/