PRIVACY POLICY

Connoisseur Travel Services Limited ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.connoisseur-travel.co.uk (the "Site"), contact us, or use our services as an independent travel agency based in Edinburgh, Scotland, with over 30 years of experience in curating luxury cruises, tours, and bespoke holidays.


We are registered in Scotland under company number SC123456 (for illustrative purposes; please verify with Companies House), and our registered office is at 38 Silverknowes Road, Edinburgh. EH4 5LF. As a UK-based business, we comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.


By using our Site or services, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not provide us with your information or use our services.


1. Information We Collect


We collect personal data to provide tailored travel services, process bookings, and enhance your experience. The types of information we may collect include:


  • Personal Identifiers: Name, address, email address, phone number, date of birth, and passport details (for bookings).
  • Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, billing address (processed securely via third-party providers; we do not store full card details).
  • Travel Details: Preferences, destinations, dietary requirements, medical information (if relevant for accessibility or special needs), and booking history.
  • Online Activity: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the Site (via cookies and analytics).
  • Communication Data: Enquiries, feedback, or marketing preferences from forms, emails, or phone calls.


We collect this data directly from you (e.g., booking forms, newsletters sign-ups) or automatically (e.g., cookies). We do not collect sensitive data (e.g., racial or ethnic origins) unless necessary for travel arrangements and with your explicit consent.


2. How We Collect Information


  • Directly from You: When you submit enquiries, make bookings, subscribe to newsletters, or contact us via phone, email, or our Site.
  • Automatically: Through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies on our Site to track usage and improve functionality.
  • From Third Parties: From travel partners (e.g., cruise lines like Fred. Olsen or tour operators) or public sources for verification purposes.


3. How We Use Your Information


We use your data for legitimate business purposes, including:


  • Processing and fulfilling travel bookings, including coordinating with suppliers.
  • Communicating with you about your enquiries, itineraries, updates, or promotions.
  • Sending marketing materials (e.g., newsletters on luxury cruises or exclusive deals) if you opt in.
  • Improving our services, analyzing trends, and personalizing recommendations.
  • Complying with legal obligations, such as health and safety requirements for travel.
  • Preventing fraud and ensuring site security.


We process data based on your consent, contractual necessity (e.g., bookings), or our legitimate interests (e.g., service improvement), as required by UK GDPR.


4. Sharing Your Information


We do not sell your data. We may share it in limited circumstances:


  • Service Providers: With trusted partners (e.g., payment processors, cruise operators like Ambassador or hotel chains) who assist in delivering services, bound by confidentiality.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, regulators, or to protect our rights (e.g., in response to a court order).
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
  • With Your Consent: For any other purpose, such as sharing with third-party travel insurers.


All recipients are UK/EU-based or provide equivalent data protection.


5. Data Security


We implement reasonable security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and access controls, to protect your data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection. Report any suspected breach to us immediately.


6. Data Retention


We retain your data only as long as necessary:


  • For active bookings: Up to 7 years post-travel (for legal/tax purposes).
  • Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe or for 2 years of inactivity.
  • Otherwise: As required by law or our legitimate needs.


We securely delete or anonymise data when no longer needed.


7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR


You have rights regarding your data:


  • Access: Request a copy of your data.
  • Correction: Update inaccurate information.
  • Deletion: Request removal (subject to legal obligations).
  • Objection/Restriction: Object to or limit processing.
  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured format.
  • Withdraw Consent: At any time, without affecting prior processing.


To exercise these rights, contact us (details below). We respond within one month, free of charge (unless requests are excessive). You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.


8. Cookies and Tracking


Our Site uses cookies for functionality, analytics (e.g., Google Analytics), and personalisation. Cookies are small files stored on your device. You can manage them via browser settings. For details, see our Cookie Policy.

We do not use cookies for targeted advertising without consent.


9. International Transfers


As a UK business, we primarily process data within the UK/EEA. If transfers occur (e.g., to non-UK suppliers), we use safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses to ensure equivalent protection.


10. Children's Privacy


Our services are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children without parental consent.


11. Changes to This Policy


We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or laws. We will notify you via email or Site notice for material changes. Continued use constitutes acceptance.


12. Contact Us


For questions, requests, or complaints: