Privacy policy

wowstay is committed to protecting your privacy and managing your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information. By using our services or providing your personal information, you agree to these practices. Please review this policy carefully.

What Information We Collect

We collect personal information, such as your name, contact details, payment information, or booking preferences, which is any information that can identify you. This may be collected:

• Through our website, social media, or booking systems.
• In person during check-in or over the phone.
• Via ChargeAutomation, our contactless check-in service, where guests upload identification documents (e.g., driver's license or passport).
• When you enter competitions or complete surveys.

We also collect non-personal information, such as browser type or pages visited, to improve our website experience.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Process bookings and payments.
• Communicate about your stay or service updates.
• Maintain records for legal and accounting purposes.
• Respond to inquiries or improve services.

We may use your information for related purposes you would reasonably expect, such as keeping email correspondence records.

We will not use or share your information beyond these purposes unless:

• You consent to it.
• It's needed to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.
• We suspect unlawful activity and must investigate or report.
• It's required or authorised by law (e.g., court orders or legal processes).

Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal information with trusted third parties, such as ChargeAutomation, payment processors, or booking platforms, to provide our services. Overseas transfers comply with APP 8 safeguards.

We won't share your information for marketing without your consent. You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking "unsubscribe" or emailing bookings@wowstay.com.au.

Security and Storage

We protect your personal information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access by:

• Using SSL encryption for data transmission (e.g., credit card details or ID uploads via ChargeAutomation).
• Storing data on secure servers, accessible only by authorised staff under confidentiality agreements.
• Securely deleting or de-identifying information when no longer needed, except for legal requirements.

While we strive to secure your data, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We safeguard your information once received.

Retention of Identification Documents

Identification documents (e.g., driver's license or passport) uploaded via ChargeAutomation or provided at check-in are retained for up to 90 days after your stay to resolve chargebacks or guest disputes.

Children's Privacy

Our services, including ChargeAutomation, are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect their information without parental consent. If collected inadvertently, it will be deleted. Children under 16 should not use our website or check-in services without supervision.

Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You can request access to or correction of your personal information by emailing bookings@wowstay.com.au. We'll verify your identity and respond within 30 days.

Data Breach Notification

In case of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required by the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.