Effective Date: 13 February 2024 (Updated 01 August 2025)
1. Your Privacy Matters
At CapeTourism.com, we value your trust and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our mobile app, sign up for our newsletter, or interact with our services.
This policy is designed to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa, the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), and, where applicable, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for visitors from the European Union and United Kingdom.
By using our website or services, you agree to the terms of this policy.
2. Who We Are
CapeTourism.com provides travel guides, destination insights, business listings, event information, and tourism-related resources for visitors and locals.
Information Officer:
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: 1A Stirling Street, Lemoenkloof, Paarl, Western Cape, 7620, South Africa
3. What Personal Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of personal information:
Information you provide directly:
- Name and surname
- Email address (e.g., for newsletters, enquiries, or account creation)
- Contact details submitted through enquiry forms or advertiser listings
- Payment or billing details (if applicable for paid advertising)
Information collected automatically:
- IP address and browser type
- Pages visited, time spent on site, and links clicked (via analytics tools)
- Device type, operating system, and app usage data (if using our app)
Information from third parties:
- Data from analytics providers (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, etc.)
- Information from booking partners or affiliate platforms if you click through and engage with them
4. How We Use Your Information
We process your personal information for the following purposes:
- To provide and improve our services and content
- To respond to enquiries or advertiser submissions
- To send newsletters and marketing communications (only if you have opted in)
- To analyse website usage and improve performance
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Legal Basis (POPIA/GDPR): Consent, contractual necessity, legal obligation, and legitimate business interests.
5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies for:
- Essential site functionality
- Analytics and performance measurement
- Marketing and retargeting campaigns
You can manage or refuse cookies via your browser settings. Non-essential cookies will only be set with your consent (via our cookie banner).
Third-party services that may use cookies:
- Google Analytics (site performance tracking)
- Meta Pixel (advertising measurement)
- Affiliate platforms (booking and advertising links)
6. Newsletter & Marketing
We send newsletters and promotional content only if you have explicitly opted in.
You can unsubscribe at any time via:
- The “unsubscribe” link in our emails, or
- Emailing us directly at [email protected]
7. Data Sharing & Third Parties
We may share your personal information with:
- Service providers (e.g., hosting companies, email providers, analytics services)
- Affiliate partners & booking platforms (only when you click their links)
- Legal authorities when required by law
Where personal data is transferred outside South Africa, we ensure compliance with POPIA’s cross-border transfer requirements through contractual safeguards.
8. User-Generated Content & Business Listings
If you submit content (e.g., reviews, photos, event listings, or business profiles), you grant us permission to publish it on our site. Personal details in such submissions will only be published with your consent.
9. Data Retention
We keep personal information only as long as necessary:
- Enquiries: 12 months
- Newsletter subscribers: until you unsubscribe
- Advertiser contracts: 5 years after termination (as per accounting law)
- Analytics data: retained in aggregated/anonymised form
10. Security Measures
We protect your personal data using:
- HTTPS encryption for data transmission
- Limited employee access to personal data
- Secure backups and hosting environments
- Periodic security audits
No system is 100% secure, but we take reasonable measures to protect your information.
11. Your Rights Under POPIA & GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access and request a copy of your personal data
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Object to processing (including direct marketing)
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Requests must be sent to [email protected]. We will respond within 21 business days and may require proof of identity.
12. Links to Third-Party Sites
Our site contains links to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before providing personal data.
13. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed at persons under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from minors without verifiable parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected such data, we will delete it immediately.
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
If changes are significant, we will:
- Post a notice on our website, and
- Email you if you are on our mailing list
Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or requests:
[email protected]
1A Stirling Street, Lemoenkloof, Paarl, Western Cape, 7620, South Africa
