Privacy Policy & Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Egypt Photography Tours. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you visit our website www.egyptphotographytours.com and use our photography tour services.

By using our website and services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you book a tour, contact us, or subscribe to our newsletter, we may collect:

• Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, WhatsApp number
• Booking Information: Travel dates, number of travelers, tour preferences, special requests
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method (processed securely via third-party payment processors)
• Passport/ID Details: When required for tour permits or domestic flights (collected only when necessary)
• Photography Preferences: Specific locations, styles, or subjects you wish to photograph

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns, referral URLs
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (for analytics and content personalization)
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See our Cookie Policy below

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Tour Booking & Fulfillment: Process reservations, send confirmations, provide tour details, arrange transportation and guides
• Communication: Respond to inquiries, send booking updates, provide pre-tour information
• Photography Services: Deliver your photos, understand your photography preferences, customize your experience
• Marketing: Send newsletters, promotional offers, and tour updates (only with your consent)
• Website Improvement: Analyze usage patterns, improve user experience, fix technical issues
• Legal Compliance: Comply with Egyptian tourism regulations, tax obligations, and legal requests
• Security: Protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, we process your personal data based on:

• Contract Performance: To fulfill your tour booking and provide services
• Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies (you may withdraw consent at any time)
• Legitimate Interests: For website security, analytics, and business operations
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:

• Service Providers: Payment processors, email services, cloud storage, analytics providers
• Tour Partners: Licensed Egyptologists, drivers, hotels (only information necessary for service delivery)
• Government Authorities: When required by Egyptian law or for security purposes
• Analytics & Marketing: Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, TripAdvisor widgets (see Cookie Policy)

All third parties are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

6. International Data Transfers

Egypt Photography Tours is based in Egypt. Your information may be transferred to and processed in Egypt and other countries. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses for EEA/UK data transfers
• Secure encryption for data in transit and at rest
• Compliance with applicable data protection laws

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing or cookies at any time
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@egyptphotographytours.com. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

• Booking Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Photos: Delivered within 48 hours; retained for 1 year unless you request deletion
• Marketing Data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Analytics Data: Retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all website communications
• Secure payment processing via PCI-DSS compliant providers
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and employee training
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures

While we strive to protect your data, no transmission over the internet is 100% secure. Please use strong passwords and protect your account credentials.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

11. Cookie Policy

11.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help us remember your preferences, analyze website usage, and provide personalized content.

11.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

Required for website functionality. Cannot be disabled.

• Session Cookies: Maintain your session during booking
• Security Cookies: Protect against CSRF and other attacks
• Preference Cookies: Remember language and consent settings

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors use our website. Require consent.

• Google Analytics (GA4): Tracks page views, sessions, user behavior
• Data Collected: Anonymous usage statistics, device info, approximate location
• Retention: 26 months
• Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out

Marketing Cookies

Used for advertising and social media integration. Require consent.

• Facebook Pixel: Tracks conversions, enables retargeting
• TripAdvisor Widget: Displays reviews and ratings
• Social Media Cookies: Enable sharing and embedded content

11.3 Managing Cookies

You can manage cookies through:

• Cookie Consent Banner: Accept or decline non-essential cookies on first visit
• Browser Settings: Block or delete cookies in your browser preferences
• Opt-out Links: Use the links above for specific services

Disabling cookies may affect website functionality, particularly the booking process.

11.4 Third-Party Cookies

Third-party services may set their own cookies:

• Google: Analytics, Maps, reCAPTCHA
• Facebook: Pixel, social plugins
• TripAdvisor: Review widgets
• Payment Processors: Secure payment handling

We do not control third-party cookies. Please review their privacy policies for details.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal data we collect, use, and share
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal data (we do not sell data)
• Non-discrimination for exercising your rights
• Correct inaccurate personal data
• Limit use of sensitive personal data

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@egyptphotographytours.com with "CCPA Request" in the subject line.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. The "Last Updated" date will reflect changes. We will notify you of significant changes via email or website notice. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us