What tour operators need to know about cookie compliance

Data privacy is becoming more important every year, and cookie requirements are a big part of it. Whether you’re running a one-person operation or a growing enterprise, understanding the rules around cookies and customer consent can help you build trust and ensure you’re staying compliant.

First things first, what are cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored in a visitor’s browser when they interact with your website. They can serve many purposes — from keeping someone logged in, to remembering their booking details, to tracking analytics or marketing performance.

Cookies generally fall into two categories:

• Essential cookies: Necessary for your site to function properly (for example, processing a booking).
• Non-essential cookies: Used for things like analytics or advertising that track behavior and improve marketing.

The requirements we’ll cover in this blog mainly apply to non-essential cookies.

Different types of non-essential cookie requirements

Regulations vary depending on where you operate and where your customers are based, but most fall into two broad categories:

• Opt-in requirements:Businesses must obtain consent before using non-essential cookies, and customers need to be able to change or withdraw that consent at any time.
• Opt-out requirements: Businesses can use non-essential cookies by default, but they must give customers a clear way to opt out and update their preferences whenever they choose.

How to know what applies to your business

Start by looking at where your business operates and where your customers come from. To get clarity on the regulations that might apply to you, use resources like:

• IAPP Global Privacy Map: An interactive tool from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) that shows the status of privacy and data protection laws across the world.

• DLA Piper Data Protection Laws of the World: A free online guide created by law firm DLA Piper that compares data protection laws in over 100 countries, with regular updates on requirements and enforcement.

These tools can help you understand your obligations across different regions.

Choosing and implementing a cookie consent solution

One of the best ways to manage compliance is by using a Consent Management Platform (CMP). A CMP allows you to:

• Decide on the right banner style, placement, and functionality for your region.
• Customize the language and cookie categories to reflect your actual data practices.
• Give customers easy-to-use options for consent and preference changes.

FareHarbor-supported cookie management solutions

FareHarbor integrates with select third-party cookie management tools. When you implement one of these tools, your customers’ opt-out preferences automatically apply to their booking experience in FareHarbor.

Want to find out if we integrate with your cookie management solution? Visit this Help Page.

Best practices for ongoing compliance

Whether or not you decide to use a CMS, here are a couple tasks you should perform regularly:

• Keep your cookie policy updated as your business or regulations change.
• Check your cookies and scripts regularly to confirm they align with your stated practices.
• Consult legal counsel if you’re unsure about your obligations.

Final note

FareHarbor makes it easier to respect your customers’ choices, but it’s your responsibility to determine which rules apply to your business. If you’re unsure, consult a privacy professional and review your options with a CMP.

Want to explore more ways FareHarbor helps you stay compliant and build customer trust? Visit our Help Center.