Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Lipshand Luxury Tours ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website www.lipshand.com (the "Website"). This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

By using our Website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy, subject to your cookie preferences and applicable privacy laws.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and store information about your preferences and actions.

2.1 Types of Cookies by Function

• Settings > Privacy or Security sections
• Browser-specific privacy settings
• Device-level privacy controls

Session Cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser

Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until deleted

First-Party Cookies: Set directly by our website

Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use

3. Categories of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off.

Examples:

• Authentication and security cookies
• Shopping cart and booking process cookies
• Load balancing cookies
• Cookie consent preference cookies

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (necessary for website operation)

Retention Period: Session duration or up to 1 year

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

Purpose: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information.

Examples:

• Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gid, _gat)
• Page view tracking cookies
• User journey analysis cookies
• Site performance monitoring cookies

Legal Basis: Consent (obtained through cookie banner)

Retention Period: Up to 26 months

3.3 Functionality Cookies

Purpose: Remember your preferences and provide enhanced, personalized features.

Examples:

• Language preference cookies
• Location-based content cookies
• Form auto-fill cookies
• Chat widget cookies

Legal Basis: Consent or legitimate interest

Retention Period: Up to 1 year

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

Purpose: Track your browsing habits to show you relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness.

Examples:

• Google Ads remarketing cookies
• Facebook Pixel cookies
• Cross-site tracking cookies
• Conversion tracking cookies

Legal Basis: Consent (obtained through cookie banner)

Retention Period: Up to 2 years

4. Third-Party Services and Cookies

4.1 Google Analytics

Purpose: Website traffic analysis and user behavior insights

Cookies Used: _ga, _gid, _gat_gtag_*

Data Collected: Anonymous usage statistics, demographics, interests

Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy

4.2 Google Ads and Remarketing

Purpose: Show relevant ads to website visitors across Google's network

Cookies Used: _gcl_*, conversion, IDE

Data Collected: Ad interaction data, conversion tracking

Opt-out: Google Ad Settings

4.3 Social Media Plugins

Purpose: Enable sharing and social media integration

Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Note: These services may set their own cookies when you interact with social plugins

4.4 Customer Support Chat

Purpose: Provide real-time customer support

Cookies Used: Session and preference cookies for chat functionality

Data Collected: Chat history, contact information, support tickets

5. Cookie Consent Management

5.1 Cookie Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Decline non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences
• Access this Cookie Policy for more information

5.2 Cookie Preference Center

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer
• Accessing your browser's cookie management tools
• Contacting us directly at [email protected]

6. Browser-Based Cookie Management

6.1 Popular Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

7. Other Tracking Technologies

7.1 Web Beacons and Pixels

Small transparent images that help us understand how you use our website and email communications. These may be used for:

• Email open and click tracking
• Website page view analytics
• Conversion tracking for advertising

7.2 Local Storage

Browser-based storage that allows websites to store larger amounts of data locally. We may use local storage for:

• Saving form data temporarily
• Storing user preferences
• Improving website performance

7.3 Session Storage

Temporary storage that's cleared when you close your browser tab. Used for:

• Maintaining session state during your visit
• Storing temporary form data
• Navigation tracking within sessions

8. Impact of Disabling Cookies

8.1 Essential Cookies

If you disable essential cookies, you may experience:

• Inability to complete bookings or use forms
• Loss of login status between pages
• Reduced security features
• Website functionality issues

8.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies will:

• Not affect website functionality
• Prevent us from understanding user behavior
• Limit our ability to improve the website

8.3 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies will:

• Not affect website functionality
• Result in less relevant advertising
• Prevent personalized marketing messages
• Limit conversion tracking for campaigns

9. Data Protection and Security

9.1 Cookie Data Security

We protect cookie data through:

• Secure transmission protocols (HTTPS)
• Encryption of sensitive cookie data
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and monitoring

9.2 Data Retention

Cookie data is retained according to:

• The specific retention period for each cookie type
• User preferences and consent status
• Legal requirements and business needs
• Regular review and deletion schedules

10. International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may transfer cookie data outside Canada. We ensure appropriate safeguards through:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Adequacy decisions by privacy authorities
• Certification programs and binding corporate rules
• Explicit consent where required

11. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie usage practices
• New third-party services or technologies
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• User feedback and best practices

Significant updates will be communicated through our website notice and updated "last modified" date.

13. Your Rights and Choices

13.1 Consent Withdrawal

You can withdraw your consent for non-essential cookies at any time by:

• Using our cookie preference center
• Clearing your browser cookies
• Adjusting browser settings
• Contacting us directly

13.2 Access and Deletion

You have the right to:

• Access information about cookies stored on your device
• Request deletion of specific cookie data
• Receive information about third-party cookies
• File complaints with privacy authorities

14. Contact Information

For questions about our cookie practices, please contact:

15. Useful Links

For more information about cookies and privacy:

• All About Cookies
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
• Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada
• Our Privacy Policy