Privacy & Security
Trusted China Online Tour Operator – Abztrip
1. Who we are and other important information
1.1 Abztrip provides custom travel services in popular destinations across the world. We take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your personal information.
1.2 This privacy policy (along with other documents, including our Cookie Policy and Social Media Policy mentioned herein) applies to this website (https://www.abztrip.com). It explains why we collect, how we collect, use, disclose, and store any personal information about our customers, potential customers, website visitors, and anyone else whose information may be processed by us during our business operations. We encourage you to read this privacy statement carefully to understand how we handle your personal data.
2. What information we may collect about you
We collect your personal information only when necessary or with your consent. The information we gather about you consists of the details you provide, information automatically collected, and data provided by third parties. This includes:
2.1 Information you provide to us
Throughout your communication or interaction with us, you may share various personal details at different times.
2.1.1 When you request a tour or a quote
When you visit our website, we automatically collect technical data such as your internet domain, IP address, and other device-related information (e.g., screen resolution, device type like tablet or PC), operating system, browser type/version, referring website, and your browsing activity on our site (e.g., visit duration, pages viewed, etc.). This data is aggregated, which helps us gain a broader understanding of our visitors, rather than tracking individuals. We use this information to enhance and optimize our website and services, ensuring a better experience for all visitors, including you. This data is primarily collected through cookies set by us or third parties (such as Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Livechat, etc.). Additionally, we utilize other tracking technologies similar to Google Analytics to gather data on how our website is used, which allows us to improve its performance. For more information on cookies, please refer to our Cookie Policy.
2.1.2 When you communicate with our travel consultants to customize your tour
Typically, we gather your phone number and email address. To better understand your needs and offer improved services, we may also ask for your social media information (such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype), your address, emergency contact details, health conditions, disabilities, and dietary preferences.
2.1.3 When you book our travel services
Generally, we collect your full name, gender, nationality, date of birth, passport information (passport number and expiration date), and, if needed, visa details. We may also request your room preferences (e.g., high floor or non-smoking) and seat preferences (on a plane or train), as well as any food allergies.
2.1.4 When you make a payment for our services
Depending on your payment method, the information provided may vary. For example, if you use a wire transfer, we may require a photo or scanned copy of the bank slip or similar document to confirm the payment. This will include your basic bank account details such as the bank name, account holder’s name, and account number.
If you pay by credit card authorization, we will need your passport information, credit card details, and possibly your billing address.
For payments made through online services such as PayPal, we do not collect personal information directly. Instead, the payment is processed through PayPal or other online payment providers, and we can view your name from the transaction record to confirm the payment.
2.1.5 When you sign up for our newsletters
We collect your name and email address.
2.1.6 When you refer others to book our services
We collect the name, email address, and customer ID of both you and the person you refer so we can acknowledge the referral and offer you the corresponding benefits.
2.1.7 When you participate in our giveaways, promotions, or campaigns
Typically, we collect your name, email address, travel destination, travel dates, and any special requests related to flights, food, or accommodation, which may vary.
2.1.8 Other information you may provide
Photos and videos taken by you, your tour guide, travel companions, or other individuals, featuring you and a destination. We will obtain explicit consent from you and your companions (if they appear in the photos or videos) before using them. We will rely on you or another group member to collect the necessary consent, as we may not be able to request it from each person individually. These photos and videos may be shared on our website and other channels to inspire potential customers.
Feedback and reviews regarding our services, which may be written by hand or communicated via email, phone, or instant messaging.
Note:
We take children’s privacy seriously and do not intentionally collect, use, or share personal information from children under 18. If you book travel services on behalf of a child, we will collect their information from you to provide those services, and we will take care to protect that data.
This privacy policy also applies to your travel companions if you book services on their behalf. We assume you have the right to share their personal information with us and rely on you to explain this policy to them and obtain their consent before sharing their information.
2.2 Automatically collected information
Your personal data may be automatically collected when you visit our website or contact us through Livechat, email, phone, or inquiry forms:
2.2.1 Technical data
This includes details such as the internet domain, IP address, device type (e.g., tablet, PC), operating system, browser type/version, referring website, and how you navigate our site (e.g., duration of visit, pages viewed). This data helps us analyze our visitors in aggregate, enabling us to improve our website and services for a better experience.
2.2.2 Caller information
If you contact us by phone, email, or another method, we may collect your phone number, email address, or similar contact details.
2.3 Information provided by third parties
2.3.1 Personal information provided by family members or travel companions who book services on your behalf.
2.3.2 Data from analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and Livechat, which provide us with statistical insights about website traffic, including visit duration, page views, and user behavior. This aggregated data helps us optimize our website performance.
2.3.3 Information provided by partners such as airlines, hotels, and cruise lines, who share data (e.g., name, nationality, passport details, travel dates, flight information) to enable us to process bookings.
2.3.4 Data provided by travel agents through which you book our services, including information mentioned in sections 2.1.1, 2.1.2, and 2.1.3.
2.3.5 Feedback, reviews, and comments left on review platforms like TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, and Feefo.
2.3.6 Social media information, which we collect when you interact with us on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. This may include basic account information (name, nationality) and content you share (comments, messages, photos, videos).
If you interact with us via email, phone, or instant messaging applications like WhatsApp or WeChat, you may provide us with contact information, including email and phone number. For more details on how we use and protect this information, please refer to our Social Media Policy.
3. How we use your information and lawful basis for using
We will never sell your personal information to third parties. Your data will only be used as necessary or with your consent, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, as detailed in this Privacy Policy. Most commonly, we will use your information based on the following lawful grounds:
a.Necessity for entering into contracts: To fulfill your requests and provide you with the information you inquire about.
b.Necessity for performing contracts: To deliver the products and services you have booked with us.
c.Your consent: To send you newsletters containing destination information, offers, and promotions, based on your consent. You may withdraw consent at any time.
d.Legitimate interests: We may use your information to enhance customer experience, improve our products/services, and promote our business.
e.Compliance with legal obligations: For example, to record your choice to opt-out of newsletters, ensuring we stop sending them to you.
f.Vital interests protection: In emergencies, we may share your information with medical service providers when you are unable to give consent.
We will use the information we hold about you for the following specific purposes:
3.1 Inquiries
We use your information to:
3.1.1 Provide you with the information you requested or information related to your inquiry that may interest you.
3.1.2 Customize itineraries based on your needs, group size, interests, and other preferences.
3.1.3 Communicate with you regarding your inquiries and requests.
We rely on the following lawful grounds:
*Necessity for entering into contracts with you.
*Necessity for our legitimate interests in communicating effectively with you after you engage with us.
3.2 Bookings
We use your information to:
3.2.1 Manage your booking and complete your requirements.
3.2.2 Make reservations on your behalf and your travel companions.
3.2.3 Communicate with you regarding your booking and send relevant travel documents.
3.2.4 Coordinate with travel business partners to ensure you receive the booked services.
3.2.5 Provide customer support during your trip.
3.2.6 Verify your booking and payment, and collect outstanding payments.
We rely on the following lawful grounds:
*Necessity for performing contracts with you.
*Necessity for our legitimate interests in managing bookings, protecting our business from financial loss, and assisting partners in compliance with legal obligations.
3.3 Website and Systems
We use your information to:
3.3.1 Optimize your browsing experience, adapting content based on your device’s screen size.
3.3.2 Improve user experience, for example, by simplifying the booking process.
3.3.3 Maintain website security and integrity, troubleshoot, and improve system performance.
3.3.4 Enhance the content and services available on our website.
We rely on the following lawful grounds:
*Necessity for our legitimate interests in efficiently operating our website and improving customer experience.
3.4 Marketing and Promotion
We use your information to:
3.4.1 Send newsletters based on your consent.
3.4.2 Conduct market research.
3.4.3 Invite you to participate in promotions or campaigns.
3.4.4 Promote our products and services outside our website, for example, on Google or YouTube.
3.4.5 Measure the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.
3.4.6 Inform you of important updates or offers relevant to your inquiry.
We rely on the following lawful grounds:
*Necessity for our legitimate interests in promoting our business.
*Consent for sending newsletters, which you can withdraw at any time.
3.5 Business Improvement
We use your information to:
3.5.1 Conduct research and analysis to improve our products and services.
3.5.2 Invite you to participate in surveys and leave reviews for our services.
3.5.3 Manage our relationship with you, for example, by sending birthday greetings.
3.5.4 Maintain business records and audit our operations.
3.5.5 Train our staff to improve service quality.
We rely on the following lawful grounds:
*Necessity for our legitimate interests in improving business operations and services.
3.6 Legal Purposes
We use your information to:
3.6.1 Resolve potential disputes and legal matters.
3.6.2 Communicate with you regarding your rights to your personal information.
3.6.3 Share necessary data with regulators and authorities when required.
3.6.4 Prevent fraud and other criminal activities.
We rely on the following lawful grounds:
*Necessity for our legitimate interests in demonstrating compliance with applicable laws.
*Compliance with legal obligations.
3.7 Emergency
We may use your information to:
Assist or arrange third-party support, such as medical providers, in case of an emergency when you’re unable to provide consent.
We rely on the following lawful grounds:
Necessity for protecting your vital interests.
3.8 Social Media
We may use your social media information collected when you engage with us on platforms such as Facebook or YouTube, for example, to respond to your inquiries. For details on how we use your social media data, please refer to our Social Media Policy.
4. Who outside Abztrip may have access to your personal information
In order to operate our business efficiently and fulfill our contractual obligations, we may need to share your personal information with certain third parties. We will only share your information for legitimate, necessary, specific, and lawful purposes. Below are the categories of third parties to whom we may disclose certain parts of your personal data:
4.1 Selected Trusted Travel Business Partners
This includes hoteliers, local ground operators, airlines, cruise lines, and other travel-related companies that are involved in providing services to fulfill your booking requirements.
4.2 Competent Authorities in the Countries You Are Departing From or Visiting
Certain countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, India, Sri Lanka, and others, require passengers to provide Advanced Passenger Information (API) before departure or upon arrival. API may include details such as full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, country of residence, visa information, passport details, and travel data. By law, we are required to share this information with airlines and transport companies, who will transmit it to the relevant authorities.
4.3 Financial Organizations and Third-Party Payment Agencies
When you place an order or request a refund, we may share relevant information with financial organizations or third-party payment agencies. To prevent fraud and ensure security, we may also share additional necessary information with the relevant financial institutions. (The specific data we share depends on the details you provide when making a payment. Please refer to section 2.1.4 for further information.)
4.4 Marketing Service Providers
Your information may be shared with marketing service providers such as Google, Facebook, Emarsys, and Livechat, to assist in promoting our products and services.
4.5 Data Analytics Service Providers
We may share your information with data analytics service providers like Google (Google Analytics) and Facebook (Facebook Pixel) to help improve customer experience and performance on our website.
4.6 Customer Review Platforms
Certain customer review platforms, such as Trustpilot and Feefo, may require your name and email address to send you an invitation to leave a verified review. When you consent to leave a review, we may share this information with those platforms so you can submit your feedback.
4.7 Regulators, Law Enforcement Agencies, Fraud Prevention Authorities, Courts, and Other Authorized Bodies
We may disclose your information to relevant authorities for the investigation of suspected criminal activity, compliance with regulations, laws, court orders, or legal processes.
4.8 Other Third Parties
If necessary, we may share your data with any other third parties for the protection of our safety, rights, property, or the safety and rights of others.
5. International Transfer of Your Information
To fulfill our contract with you and provide the products and services you have booked with us, we may need to collaborate with carefully selected suppliers in the destinations you are traveling to. As such, we may transfer your information that we deem necessary to these suppliers. Please note that the local laws and regulations in these destinations may not provide the same level of protection for personal information as those in your country. However, we will take all reasonable and necessary measures to ensure the protection of your data. This may include sharing only the information necessary to fulfill our contract with you or using specific contractual terms to limit how our local suppliers handle your data.
6. Security of Your Information
We place great importance on the security of your personal information and are committed to ensuring that the data we hold about you remains safe. We continuously implement and update necessary administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized access, transmission, storage, processing, or disclosure. These measures are regularly reviewed to ensure their ongoing effectiveness.
Despite the security measures we have in place, please understand that no “perfect” security system exists for the internet that is immune to all risks. We will, however, make every effort to protect your personal information with the best available technologies and practices.
7. Retention of Your Information
We will retain the information we hold about you for as long as it is necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Since different types of information may be used for various purposes, the retention periods will vary. For example, your contact details may be kept for several years to comply with tax obligations or to provide the best possible service for future bookings. On the other hand, your payment information will be stored for a shorter period, only until the payment is confirmed and completed.
8. Your Rights Regarding Your Information
You have several rights regarding your personal information that we hold, as outlined in this section. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us via email.
Your rights include:
1). Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.
2). Data Portability: You may request that we transfer your personal information to you or to a third party you have selected.
3). Correction: You may ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information we hold about you.
4). Erasure: You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information.
5). Restriction: You can request the restriction of processing of your personal information.
6). Objection: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information.
7). Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent at any time. However, please note that withdrawing your consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing activities conducted before the withdrawal.
9. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify and update this privacy policy whenever we deem necessary. Any changes or updates we make will be posted on this page and will become effective immediately upon publication. The date of the latest update will be indicated at the bottom of the page. Please check back regularly to stay informed about our most current privacy policy.
10. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to external websites over which we have no control and therefore cannot be held responsible. This privacy policy does not apply to these third-party websites. When you click on a link to leave our website and visit another site, we recommend that you exercise caution and review the privacy policy or other relevant policies of those websites.
11. How We Use Cookies
A cookie is a small text file that is sent from a website and stored on your computer or mobile device by your web browser when you visit the website. We use cookies to ensure that our website functions properly and efficiently, providing you with the best possible experience. For more detailed information on how we use cookies and how you can control them, please refer to our Cookie Policy.