1. Introduction
Gorge Valley Haven ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") operates the website at gorgevalleyhaven.com and provides travel and editorial services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process personal information in connection with our website, tour bookings, marketing communications, and customer services. By accessing or using our services, you consent to this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly, such as when you book a tour, subscribe to our newsletter, contact us for inquiries, or create an account. This includes:
- Contact information (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
- Payment information (credit card details processed by secure third-party processors)
- Travel preferences and health information relevant to tour safety
- Communications you send us (inquiries, feedback, reviews)
- Account credentials if you create a user profile
We also collect information automatically through cookies, analytics tools, and server logs, including IP addresses, browser type, pages visited, referring URLs, and device identifiers.
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, and deliver targeted content. You can control cookie preferences through our Cookie Banner. Some cookies are essential for site functionality and cannot be disabled. Others are optional and require consent, including analytics and marketing cookies. Read our Cookie Policy for full details.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information for:
- Processing and managing tour bookings and payments
- Providing customer service and responding to inquiries
- Sending marketing communications about tours, features, and promotions (with your consent or as permitted by law)
- Personalizing your experience and recommending relevant tours or content
- Conducting analytics to improve our website, services, and customer experience
- Complying with legal obligations and resolving disputes
- Detecting and preventing fraud or other illegal activities
5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For visitors in the EU or under GDPR, we process personal information on the following bases: (a) contract performance (tour bookings and services); (b) your explicit consent (marketing communications, non-essential cookies); (c) legitimate interests (analytics, fraud prevention, service improvements); or (d) legal obligations (tax records, safety reports).
6. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:
- Service providers (payment processors, email hosts, analytics services) who process data on our behalf under confidentiality agreements
- Partner tour operators and accommodations necessary to fulfill your booking
- Legal authorities if required by law or to protect our rights
- Insurance and emergency services in case of tour-related incidents
All third parties are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for purposes specified by Gorge Valley Haven.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services and fulfill legal obligations. Booking records are retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance. Marketing lists are retained until you unsubscribe. Cookies expire according to their settings (session cookies are deleted when you close your browser; persistent cookies may remain for up to 2 years). You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.
8. Data Security
Gorge Valley Haven uses industry-standard encryption (SSL/TLS), secure servers, firewalls, and access controls to protect personal information. However, no transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
9. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights including: (a) access to your personal data; (b) correction of inaccurate data; (c) deletion or erasure (subject to legal requirements); (d) portability of your data in machine-readable format; (e) objection to processing; or (f) opt-out of marketing communications. To exercise these rights, contact us at info@gorgevalleyhaven.com. We will respond within 30 days.
10. Marketing Communications
We send marketing emails and newsletters about tours, promotions, and content only to those who have opted in or provided prior consent. Each email includes an "unsubscribe" link. You can update your communication preferences in your account settings or by contacting us. Opting out of marketing does not affect transactional communications related to your bookings.
11. Children's Privacy
Gorge Valley Haven services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 18 without parental consent, we will delete such information immediately. Parents who believe their child has provided information to us should contact us immediately.
12. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including partner hotels, tour operators, and external payment processors. This Privacy Policy applies only to gorgevalleyhaven.com. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.
13. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than Japan, including the United States, EU, and Singapore, where data protection laws may differ. By using our services, you consent to such transfers. We implement appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses and EU adequacy decisions where applicable.
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
Gorge Valley Haven may update this Privacy Policy at any time. Material changes will be notified via email or prominent notice on our website. Continued use of our services following changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for updates.
15. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about our data practices, please contact us at:
Gorge Valley Haven Privacy Team
Email: privacy@gorgevalleyhaven.com
Phone: +81-25-269-2783
Address: 3336 Shindori, Nishi Ward, Niigata 950-2035, Japan
Response time: 30 business days