PRIVACY STATEMENT
1. Introduction
At Guesthouse Ex change, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you entrust to us.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and the measures we take to safeguard it. By using the Guesthouse Ex change website and services, you acknowledge and accept the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Should you have any questions regarding this policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us at highfive@guesthouseexchange.
2. Compliance with South African Law
Guesthouse Ex change processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and any other applicable South African legislation governing privacy and electronic communications.
3. Information We Collect
When you register or use Guesthouse Ex change, we may collect information including:
- Guesthouse or accommodation establishment name
- Contact person details
- Telephone number(s)
- Email address(es)
- Physical address
- Website and social media links
- Description of your accommodation
- Photographs of your property
- Membership information
- Booking and exchange history
- Communication preferences
We may also collect technical information relating to your use of our website, as described below.
4. Website Usage Data
Like most websites, Guesthouse Ex change automatically records certain technical information whenever our website is accessed.
This may include:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Date and time of access
- Pages viewed
- Referring and exit pages
- Clickstream information
This information cannot ordinarily be used to identify you personally and is used to improve website performance, maintain security, analyse visitor trends and enhance the overall user experience.
5. Cookies
Guesthouse Exchange uses cookies and similar technologies to improve the functionality of our website.
Cookies help us:
- Remember your preferences
- Improve website performance
- Analyse visitor behaviour
- Provide a more personalised browsing experience
You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that doing so may affect certain features of the website.
6. Why We Collect Your Information
Your information is collected for legitimate business purposes, including:
- Creating and managing your Guesthouse Exchange membership
- Displaying your property listing to other registered members
- Processing booking requests and exchanges
- Communicating with you regarding your membership
- Providing member support
- Improving our platform and services
- Preventing fraud or misuse of the platform
- Meeting our legal obligations
We collect only information that is reasonably necessary to provide our services.
7. Communication with Members
Guesthouse Exchange may contact members regarding matters directly related to their membership.
These communications may include:
- Welcome messages
- Membership activation
- Booking requests
- Booking confirmations or cancellations
- Review reminders
- Membership renewal reminders
- Membership expiry notifications
- New platform features
- Training resources and helpful tips
- System updates
- News regarding Guesthouse Exchange
Where members have elected to receive notifications regarding newly listed properties, these notifications will also be sent. Members may update these preferences at any time within their profile settings.
8. Sharing of Personal Information
Guesthouse Ex change values your privacy.
We do not sell, rent or trade your personal information to third parties.
Information displayed within property listings is made available only to registered Guesthouse Ex change members who have access to the members’ area of the platform.
We may disclose personal information where required by law or where necessary to protect the rights, safety or integrity of Guesthouse Ex change, its members or the public.
9. Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or make use of third-party services such as analytics providers or advertising platforms.
These third parties operate independently and have their own privacy policies. Guesthouse Ex change accepts no responsibility for the privacy practices or content of external websites or services.
We encourage members to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit.
10. Children's Privacy
Guesthouse Ex change is intended for business owners and accommodation operators.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 years. Should we become aware that such information has been submitted, we will take reasonable steps to remove it as soon as practicable.
Parents or guardians who believe a child has provided personal information to Guesthouse Ex change are encouraged to contact us immediately.
11. Protecting Your Information
Guesthouse Ex change takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, unauthorised access, misuse, alteration or disclosure.
While we strive to maintain the highest standards of security, no online system can guarantee absolute security.
12. Your Rights
Subject to POPIA, you have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of information where legally permissible
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- Object to certain forms of processing where permitted by law
Requests may be submitted by contacting Guesthouse Exchange directly.
13. Online Application
This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected through the Guesthouse Ex change website and online services.
It does not apply to information collected through offline interactions or third-party channels unless specifically stated.
14. Changes to this Privacy Policy
Guesthouse Ex change reserves the right to amend this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Any updates will be published on the website and will become effective upon publication.
Members are encouraged to review this policy periodically to remain informed of any changes.
15. Consent
By accessing or using the Guesthouse Ex change website, registering as a member, or continuing to use our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, processing and use of your personal information as described herein.