Advancement Tours – Privacy Policy

Last updated: 23 September 2025 (Australia/Melbourne)

 

 Who we are

“Advancement Tours”, “we”, “us” and “our” means Advancement Tours Pty Ltd (ABN [insert]) and our related brands and tour programs. We organise and operate group travel experiences.

 

Our commitment to privacy

We manage your personal information openly and transparently in line with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This Policy explains what we collect, how we use and disclose it, and how you can access or correct it. 

 

What we collect

Depending on your interaction with us, we may collect:

• Identity & contact: name, date of birth, postal address, email, phone.

• Booking details: itinerary selections, rooming preferences, loyalty numbers, frequent flyer details, dietary needs, accessibility needs, emergency contact(s).

• Payment & transaction data: payment method, amounts paid, booking references, invoices/receipts. (Card data is handled by our payment provider and is not stored by us.)

• Travel documents (where needed): passport details, visa status, insurance confirmations.

• Health & sensitivity (only if reasonably necessary): medical or accessibility information you provide to support safe participation (e.g., allergies).

• Communications & marketing: enquiries, feedback, survey responses, preferences, opt-in/opt-out status.

• Website/app data: device info, IP address, cookie/analytics identifiers, pages viewed, referring sites.
   

How we collect personal information

• Directly from you: when you enquire, book, pay, or talk to us.

• From suppliers or partners: airlines, hotels, ground operators, event venues, insurance providers and other travel service providers involved in your booking.

• Online technologies: our website uses cookies/analytics to improve performance and measure interest in tours.
   

Why we collect and use your information

We collect, hold, use and disclose personal information to:

• provide quotes, take bookings, and deliver tour services;

• arrange third-party travel services (air, accommodation, activities, guides);

• manage payments, refunds, and accounting;

• personalise itineraries, rooming, dietary and accessibility support;

• verify identity and prevent fraud;

• communicate updates (e.g., itinerary changes, safety notices);

• conduct customer support, quality assurance, and dispute resolution;

• run marketing (where permitted), surveys and feedback;

• comply with law and respond to lawful requests.
   

When we need your consent

We’ll seek consent where required (for example, for certain health details, or direct marketing where consent is needed). You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal/contractual limits. 

 

Disclosure to third parties and overseas recipients

To fulfil your booking we share relevant details with:

• hotels, destination management companies, guides, transport providers, venues and insurers;

• payment processors and fraud-prevention tools;

• marketing and analytics providers (for opted-in communications/measurement);

• professional advisers (legal, accounting), regulators, and law enforcement where required.

Because we operate international tours, your information may be disclosed to partners located outside Australia (e.g., New Zealand, USA, UK/Europe, Hong Kong). 

 

Cookies and analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to make our site work, remember preferences, and measure performance and campaigns. You can manage cookies in your browser; some features may not work without them. 

 

Security

We use organisational, physical and technical controls proportionate to the sensitivity of the information we hold (access controls, encryption in transit where appropriate, staff training, and supplier due diligence). No method is 100% secure, and we continuously improve our safeguards based on risk and guidance. 

 

Data retention and destruction

We retain personal information for as long as needed for booking administration, customer support, legal, tax and insurance purposes, and then securely destroy or de-identify it in line with APP 11.2 and OAIC guidance. 

 

Accessing and correcting your information

You can request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask us to correct it if it is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading. We’ll respond within a reasonable period and may need to verify your identity. 

 

Children

Our tours are primarily for adults. Where minors participate, we collect only what is reasonably necessary to organise safe travel, with consent from a parent/guardian where required.

 

Sensitive information

We only collect sensitive information (e.g., medical or accessibility needs) where reasonably necessary to provide services safely, with your consent, or as otherwise permitted by law. 

 

Payment processing

Card payments are processed by our payment service provider (e.g., Wix Payments or other provider from time to time). We do not store full card numbers on our systems. (If you choose manual bank transfer, your bank shares payer details with us to reconcile your booking.)

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Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached, contact our Privacy Officer. We’ll acknowledge and investigate your complaint and aim to resolve it promptly. If you’re not satisfied, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): www.oaic.gov.au | 1300 363 992. This approach aligns with OAIC guidance for complaints handling under APP 1.4(d). 

 

Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law or our practices. We will post the updated version on our website and note the “Last updated” date. For significant changes, we will provide an additional notice where appropriate (e.g., website banner or email). This mirrors standard travel sector practice.

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For access/correction requests, marketing opt-outs, complaints, or questions about this Policy, please contact us.