Barca Valona (“we”, barcavalona.com) is an independent booking-concierge website for boat tours in Vlore (Valona) and its bay. This policy explains what personal data we process, why, and your rights under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It is written to be read by humans.
1. Who is the data controller
The data controller is the operator of Barca Valona, reachable via WhatsApp at +39 351 476 6918. Because we are a concierge and not a tour operator, your contract for the boat trip is always with the skipper or local operator who delivers the service.
2. What data this website collects
Almost none. This is a static website: no contact forms, no user accounts, no newsletters, no comment systems. We do not use advertising pixels, remarketing tags or third-party analytics that profile you. The hosting provider keeps standard server logs (IP address, browser type, pages visited, timestamps) for security and operational purposes; they are retained briefly and never used for marketing.
3. What happens when you contact us on WhatsApp
Tapping a WhatsApp button opens a chat with our number (+39 351 476 6918) on WhatsApp, a service of Meta Platforms, whose own privacy policy then also governs that conversation — we encourage you to read it. Within the chat we process what you volunteer — typically your name, dates, group size, accommodation and any preferences or needs you share — for one purpose only: to find, quote and arrange the boat trip you asked for. The legal basis is pre-contractual measures at your request (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).
4. Who we share your data with
Only with the skipper or local operator(s) needed to deliver what you booked — for example, your name, date, group size and boarding point go to whoever runs your boat. We never sell data, never share it with advertisers, never add you to marketing lists. Operators are instructed to use your details solely to deliver the booked service.
5. What we do not collect
We take no payments, so we never see card details. We do not ask for passports or special-category data beyond what you volunteer. Please do not send sensitive documents via WhatsApp — we do not need them.
6. Cookies
This site uses no profiling cookies, so no cookie banner is legally required. Any cookies present are strictly technical (hosting, security) and do not identify you for marketing.
7. Retention
WhatsApp conversations tied to a booking are kept as long as needed to deliver the service and meet statutory retention duties. Conversations that do not lead to a booking can be deleted at your request at any time.
8. Your rights
Under the GDPR you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction or portability of your data, and object to processing, at any time. To exercise any right, simply message us on WhatsApp at +39 351 476 6918 — same channel, same humans. You may also lodge a complaint with your national data protection authority.
9. Changes
If we ever add features that change data handling (analytics, a booking engine), we will update this page before switching them on. The version date is shown at the top.
Privacy questions are welcome — as with everything on this site, the answer is one WhatsApp message away.