Information according to the Digital Services Act

1. Introduction

The European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) establishes harmonized rules for digital services, promoting a safe, predictable, and trusted online environment. This page provides required information for users in the European Union about how AdvGuides operates as an online platform.

2. Platform Operator Information

3. How Our Platform Works

3.1 Platform Description

The Adventure Collective operates as an intermediary marketplace and affiliate platform that connects consumers with adventure tour operators, guides, and activity providers. We do not provide adventure services directly but facilitate discovery, comparison, and booking of third-party adventure experiences. We publish content across The Adventure Collective Network.

3.2 Content on Our Platform

Our platform displays several types of content:

• Operator-provided content: Tour descriptions, photos, pricing, and availability provided by tour operators
• Aggregated third-party content: Information from booking platforms (FareHarbor, Viator), reviews from TripAdvisor and Google
• Editorial content: Destination guides, articles, and recommendations created by AdvGuides
• User-generated content: Reviews, ratings, photos, and comments submitted by platform users

3.3 Business Model

AdvGuides operates primarily as an affiliate reseller. We earn revenue through:

• Commission on bookings made through our affiliate links
• Referral fees from tour operators
• Advertising and sponsored content
• Premium listing services for tour operators

When you book through our platform, you enter into a contract directly with the tour operator or booking platform, not with AdvGuides.

4. Content Moderation

4.1 User-Generated Content Policies

We allow users to post reviews, ratings, and comments. All user-generated content must comply with our community guidelines. Prohibited content includes:

• Illegal content or content promoting illegal activities
• Hate speech, discrimination, or harassment
• False, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Spam, promotional content, or unsolicited advertising
• Content infringing intellectual property rights
• Explicit sexual content or content harmful to minors
• Personally identifiable information of others without consent

4.2 Content Review Process

We employ a combination of automated tools and human review to moderate user-generated content. Content may be removed if it violates our policies. We do not pre-screen all content but review reports and may proactively monitor for policy violations.

4.3 Reporting Illegal or Harmful Content

Users can report content that violates our policies or applicable law. To report content, please email info@advcollective.com with:

• URL or location of the content
• Description of the violation
• Your contact information
• Any supporting evidence

We will review reports and take appropriate action within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 7 business days.

5. Transparency in Recommendations

5.1 How Content is Ranked

Content on our platform may be ordered or ranked based on several factors:

• Relevance: Match to user search queries and preferences
• Popularity: Number of bookings, views, and user engagement
• Reviews and ratings: Aggregate scores from TripAdvisor, Google, and platform users
• Commercial relationships: Operators who pay for enhanced listings may appear more prominently (clearly labeled as "Featured" or "Sponsored")
• Availability: Tours with immediate availability may rank higher
• Geographic proximity: Distance from user's location or selected destination

5.2 Advertising and Sponsored Content

Paid advertisements and sponsored content are clearly labeled as "Ad," "Sponsored," or "Featured." Commercial relationships do not influence our editorial content or unbiased reviews.

6. User Rights Under DSA

6.1 Right to Information

You have the right to clear information about how our platform operates, how we moderate content, and how we use your data (see our Privacy Policy).

6.2 Right to Complaint

If your content is removed or your account is suspended, you have the right to file a complaint. We will provide notice of content removal decisions with reasons for the action. You may appeal by contacting info@advcollective.com.

6.3 Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution

For unresolved disputes, you may access certified out-of-court dispute settlement bodies. Information about available bodies will be provided upon request.

7. Liability Limitations

As an intermediary platform under the DSA, AdvGuides is not generally liable for illegal content posted by users or tour operators, provided we act expeditiously to remove such content upon obtaining knowledge of it.

However, we do not guarantee the accuracy, safety, or legality of third-party content, services, or operators listed on our platform. Users should conduct their own due diligence before making bookings.

8. Cooperation with Authorities

We cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory authorities in accordance with applicable law. We may disclose user information when legally required or to prevent serious harm.

Authorized entities may submit requests for information or content removal to info@advcollective.com.

9. Minors Protection

Our platform is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. For adventure bookings involving minors, parental or guardian consent is required.

We implement measures to prevent minors' exposure to inappropriate content and maintain a family-friendly platform environment.

10. Contact for DSA Compliance

For questions, complaints, or notices related to Digital Services Act compliance, please contact:

11. Updates to DSA Information

We may update this information to reflect changes in our practices, DSA requirements, or regulatory guidance. Material changes will be communicated through our platform and the "Last Updated" date will be revised.