General Terms and Conditions

0. Definitions

Organizer: Pixelized.ch Sagl, based in Lugano (Switzerland), responsible for the design, sale and organization of trips and services offered through its websites (including viaggifotografici.ch and moai.ch) or other official channels.
Participant / Traveler: the person who makes the booking or takes part in the trip.
Package Tour: a predefined combination of at least two travel services (e.g., accommodation + internal transportation; accommodation + activities; transportation + local services) sold at an overall price. The international flight is not part of the package unless otherwise stated on the trip page.
Included Services: the services described as included on the dedicated page of each trip.
Excluded Services: all services not expressly listed as included (among which, unless otherwise stated: international flights, insurance, meals not mentioned, personal expenses, visas, travel documents, …).
Trip Confirmation: the written communication sent by e-mail by the Organizer which officially confirms participation in the trip.
Substantial Change: any significant modification to an essential element of the program (e.g., change of country, change of main destination, removal of essential parts of the itinerary or key services) made by the Organizer before the departure date.
Non-substantial Change: an equivalent or minor variation (e.g., changes to schedules or order of activities, route deviations, replacement of activities with similar alternatives, temporary closures of sites or attractions, changes to local means of transport, accommodation changes to properties of equivalent category, …).
Coordinator / Tour Leader: the person appointed by the Organizer to accompany the group, support logistics and serve as an operational reference. The coordinator is not responsible for the execution of travel services nor can they modify contractual terms or make commitments on behalf of the Organizer.
Photographer-Instructor: the person responsible for conducting photographic workshops and activities during the trip. The photographer-instructor is not responsible for logistical or contractual aspects of the trip.
Local Partner / Local Guide / DMC: the local supplier responsible for carrying out operational services (internal transportation, accommodation, activities). The local partner is not a contractual party to the participant; responsibilities remain with the Organizer.
Combined Roles: on some trips, the roles of coordinator and photographer-instructor may coincide. On other trips, a coordinator may not be present, and the group may be accompanied directly by the photographer-instructor or by a local guide/partner.
Decision Chain and Operational Communication: during the trip, the coordinator, the photographer-instructor and/or the local partner are in regular contact with the Organizer, except in cases of temporary impossibility (lack of coverage, local restrictions, force majeure). If immediate operational decisions are required, the decision chain is: (1) Organizer, (2) Coordinator, (3) Photographer-Instructor, (4) Local Partner.

1. Scope of Application

These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) govern all trips, services and activities organized by Pixelized.ch Sagl, based in Lugano (Switzerland), hereinafter the “Organizer”, and sold through the websites viaggifotografici.ch, moai.ch or other official channels.
For trips that fall under the definition of a “package tour” according to the Swiss Federal Act on Package Travel (PRG, RS 944.3), the contract between the participant and the Organizer consists of:

the trip description published on the website;
the written confirmation of participation sent by the Organizer;
these General Terms and Conditions.

2. Formation of the Contract

2.1 Booking Request

Submitting a booking request through the website or other channels does not constitute a binding contract.
Until the Organizer issues a confirmation, the request may be refused or modified.

2.2 Acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions

For online bookings, acceptance of the GTC occurs via checkbox during the purchasing process.
For bookings made by e-mail, phone or other means, acceptance occurs through the participant’s written confirmation.

2.3 Trip Confirmation and Formation of the Contract

The trip is confirmed by the Organizer only once the minimum number of participants indicated on the trip page has been reached.
The Organizer may, at its discretion, confirm the trip even if the minimum number is not reached.
The contract enters into force when the participant receives a written confirmation from the Organizer attesting that the trip has been confirmed.
Automatic website e-mails (e.g., order confirmation) do not constitute trip confirmation.
Before the trip confirmation, no binding contract exists, and the Organizer may refuse a booking request or propose changes without penalties for either party.

2.4 Form of Written Confirmation

The Organizer’s confirmation may be sent via:

e-mail;
individual direct message (e.g., WhatsApp);
any other traceable communication method clearly identifying the participant.

Until written confirmation is issued, the Organizer reserves the right to refuse a booking request or propose modifications.

2.5 Special Requests

Special requests from the participant (e.g., dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, room preferences, specific medical needs, additional services, …) must be communicated in writing at the time of booking.
The Organizer will do its best to pass such requests on to local suppliers, but cannot guarantee that they will be fully satisfied, particularly regarding services provided by third parties (hotels, restaurants, carriers, local partners).
Special requests are binding only if confirmed in writing by the Organizer.

3. Prices and Payments

3.1 Trip Price

The trip price is expressed in Swiss Francs (CHF) or in an equivalent amount in foreign currency.
The price includes only the services listed as “included” on the trip page.
All services not expressly indicated as included are considered excluded and remain at the participant’s expense.

3.2 Non-Refundable Deposit

At the time of registration, a non-refundable deposit of CHF 200 (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) is required to cover administrative costs.
The deposit is considered part of the total trip price and is automatically deducted from the final balance.

3.3 Payments

The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before departure, unless otherwise specified on the trip page or in the confirmation.
Payments may be made using the methods indicated on the website (credit card, bank transfer, or other methods if available).
Cash payments are not accepted.

3.4 Installment Payments

The participant may request to pay in multiple installments. Approval is at the Organizer’s discretion.
In the case of installment payments, the total amount must still be settled by the deadline indicated in the confirmation.
Failure to pay an installment may result in the Organizer cancelling the registration and applying the conditions outlined in section 3.5.

3.5 Non-Payment

If full payment is not received by the deadline, the Organizer may:

cancel the registration;
retain the non-refundable deposit of CHF 200;
apply the penalties set out in the section “Cancellation Conditions”;
assign the spot to other participants.

Any unpaid amounts still due according to the cancellation conditions remain the responsibility of the participant.

3.6 Price Changes

Before the trip is confirmed, the price may be adjusted in case of significant variations in exchange rates or costs imposed by local suppliers.
After the trip is confirmed, the price may be modified only in the following cases and no later than 20 days before departure:

increase in transportation costs (including fuel and taxes);
additional mandatory costs resulting from unforeseen events or the unavailability of local suppliers, provided the substituted service is equivalent;
changes in airport taxes or entry fees;
exceptional fluctuations in exchange rates related to services used in the trip.

Any price increase will be communicated in writing.
If the increase exceeds 10% of the total price, the participant may withdraw from the contract without penalties pursuant to the PRG.

4. Cancellation by the Participant

4.1 Cancellation Fees

Cancellation must be communicated via e-mail.
Fees are calculated on the total trip price, regardless of the amounts already paid.

Trip not yet confirmed: full refund minus the CHF 200 deposit.
More than 60 days before departure: 50% refund of the total price, minus the CHF 200 deposit.
59–30 days before departure: 25% refund of the total price, minus the CHF 200 deposit.
Less than 30 days before departure: no refund.

If the amount already paid does not cover the applicable cancellation fee, the participant must pay the difference.

4.2 No Refund During the Trip

If the participant leaves the trip for any reason, no refund is provided.

4.3 Transfer of Booking (Substitution)

The participant may propose a substitute up to 60 days before departure, provided that:

the trip has been fully paid (base trip price);
the substitute meets the trip requirements;
the Organizer and local suppliers approve the substitution.

The substitution must not require changes to services already booked, particularly room type, accommodation combinations, internal flights, permits or other services that cannot be modified without additional costs or without altering the organization of the trip.
Any practical changes required to accept the substitute are subject to prior verification by the Organizer, who will evaluate availability, logistical feasibility and the conditions applied by local suppliers.
Any additional costs requested by suppliers (e.g., hotels, internal flights, permits or individual services) are entirely at the substitute’s expense. Private agreements between the outgoing participant and the substitute are irrelevant with respect to payments owed to the Organizer.
For the substitution, the following apply:

an administrative fee of CHF 200;
plus any actual costs requested by suppliers.

The outgoing participant remains responsible to the Organizer until the substitution procedure is completed and a written confirmation of the replacement is issued.
For administrative purposes, the outgoing participant’s registration may be cancelled in the Organizer’s systems and replaced with an internal voucher of equal value, from which the administrative fee and any additional costs will be deducted. This voucher is used exclusively to correctly register the new participant and is associated with the substitute’s e-mail address; it is not transferable to third parties.
The internal voucher is valid exclusively for the trip subject to the substitution and must be used within the deadline indicated by the Organizer (normally 30 days). After this period, the substitution procedure is considered incomplete and the Organizer may deem the request void.
It is not possible to cancel and substitute simultaneously. Once a cancellation has been communicated and the Organizer has issued a cancellation confirmation, it is no longer possible to request a booking transfer.

5. Cancellation or Changes by the Organizer

5.1 Non-Substantial Changes

For operational, meteorological, logistical or safety reasons, or due to force majeure or other circumstances not attributable to the Organizer, the itinerary and included services may undergo non-substantial changes without altering the nature of the trip.
Such changes do not entitle participants to refunds.

5.2 Substantial Changes (art. 10 PRG)

If, before departure, a substantial change to the trip occurs or if the price increases by more than 10% (see section 3.6), the participant may choose among:

accepting the modified trip;
transferring the booking to another trip of equivalent value;
transferring the booking to a trip of higher value, paying the difference;
transferring the booking to a trip of lower value, receiving a refund of the difference;
withdrawing with a full refund of all amounts paid, without penalties.

5.3 Cancellation of the Trip by the Organizer

If the Organizer is forced to cancel a trip already confirmed due to the minimum number of participants no longer being met, force majeure or the objective impossibility of carrying out the trip, the participant is entitled to a full refund of all amounts paid.
Subject to the participant’s agreement, the refund may be converted into a voucher of equal value valid for 12 months.
No further compensation is due.

5.4 Included Activities That Cannot Be Carried Out

If a single included activity cannot be carried out, the Organizer will propose, where possible, an equivalent alternative activity.
If this is not possible, the economic value of the missed activity will be refunded or a voucher of equal value will be issued, subject to agreement.
No refunds are provided for optional or free activities.

5.5 Inability of the Photographer or Instructor to Accompany the Group

If the photographer or instructor indicated in the program is unable to participate, the Organizer will seek a qualified replacement.
If the coordinator has the necessary skills to perform the role of instructor or photographer, the Organizer may assign the role to them, ensuring an equivalent level of quality.
If none of these solutions is possible, the trip will still take place with the coordinator or local partners, and participants will be refunded the proportional amount relating to the educational/photographic component.
The presence of the photographer or instructor is not considered an essential element of the contract and does not entitle participants to cancel the trip without penalties.

6. Responsibility

6.1 General Principle

The Organizer is responsible for the proper execution of the services included in the trip, as provided for by the Swiss Federal Act on Package Travel (PRG).
Liability is limited to services provided directly by the Organizer or by suppliers appointed by the Organizer.
The Organizer cannot guarantee the quality or full compliance of services provided by third-party suppliers (e.g., hotels, restaurants, local partners) with respect to the participant’s specific needs, including allergies or food intolerances.
The participant is responsible for promptly informing the Organizer of their needs and personally verifying ingredients, risks and conditions on site.

6.2 Exclusions of Liability

The Organizer is not liable for:

damages resulting from actions or omissions of the participant;
losses, injuries or damages caused by third parties not involved in the organization;
unforeseeable events or force majeure (extreme weather, natural disasters, government decisions, strikes, conflicts, epidemics, local restrictions, …);
delays, cancellations or changes to transportation services purchased independently by the participant (e.g., international flights, trains, private transfers);
optional activities purchased directly by the participant from third-party suppliers;
changes, cancellations or limitations due to safety reasons, local regulations or circumstances beyond the Organizer’s control.

6.3 No Guarantee of Trip Outcomes

Regardless of the type of trip (photographic, nature-oriented, cultural or otherwise), the Organizer does not guarantee the achievement of specific outcomes that depend on factors beyond its control, such as:

weather conditions;
presence or behavior of wildlife;
visibility of natural phenomena (e.g., northern lights, clear skies, ice/snow, blossoms);
occurrence of local events;
access to certain areas, trails or attractions;
any other element outside its control.

The trip is a service contract, not a results contract.

6.4 Participant Conduct

Each participant is responsible for their own behavior and must respect:

local laws and regulations;
instructions from local staff, the coordinator and the Organizer;
safety rules;
customs and traditions of the communities visited;
principles of environmental respect, wildlife and flora protection and sustainability;
civil coexistence with other group members.

The Organizer may exclude from the trip, without any right to refund, any participant whose behavior:

endangers their own safety or that of others;
compromises the proper functioning of the trip;
is harassing, aggressive or disrespectful toward other participants, staff or local communities;
violates safety rules or instructions from the team.

6.5 Health, Insurance and Personal Requirements

Each participant is responsible for ensuring their physical and psychological fitness for the trip.
It is the participant’s responsibility to obtain adequate personal insurance (cancellation, health assistance, accidents, baggage, civil liability, …).
The Organizer is not responsible for medical costs, early return expenses or other damages arising from:

undeclared personal conditions;
lack of fitness for the trip;
lack of insurance coverage.

6.6 Personal Belongings

The Organizer is not liable for theft, loss or damage to personal belongings, including photographic equipment, electronics or other valuables.

7. Services Not Included

Unless otherwise indicated, the Organizer assumes no responsibility for services not expressly included in the proposed trip, including:

international flights and other transportation purchased independently by the participant;
accommodation, transfers or additional services booked directly by the participant;
personal insurance of any kind (cancellation, health, baggage, civil liability, …);
optional activities or services purchased directly from third-party suppliers;
delays, disruptions or cancellations related to external services not included in the trip.

Any additional cost arising from such services is entirely at the participant’s expense.
The Organizer is not required to provide assistance, mediation or refunds concerning services not booked through the Organizer.

8. Communications and WhatsApp Groups

8.1 Official Communications

Official communications regarding booking, confirmations, payments and travel documents take place exclusively via e-mail.
The participant is responsible for regularly checking their e-mail inbox and ensuring that the address provided is correct and functioning.

8.2 WhatsApp Group (Optional)

Before departure, a WhatsApp group may be created for logistical communication and to facilitate coordination of the trip, both in the pre-departure phase (updates, practical information, guidance on visas, vaccinations, optional activities, meeting place and time) and during the trip (schedules, meeting points, operational changes).
Participation in the group is optional; however, for practical and organizational reasons, it is strongly recommended, as many updates are shared in real time through this channel.
Participants who do not wish to be added to the WhatsApp group must inform the Organizer at the time of booking.

8.3 Responsibilities and Limitations of the WhatsApp Group

The WhatsApp group is a support tool and does not constitute a contractual communication channel with the Organizer, nor does it replace official communications via e-mail.
Participants who choose not to join the group are aware that some operational information may reach them with less immediacy.
Failure to read messages, disabled notifications, technical issues or delays in checking messages cannot be attributed to the Organizer.
The group does not entail an obligation of continuous assistance or immediate response from the Organizer or the coordinator.

9. Offers, Promotional Codes and Gift Cards

9.1 Offers

Offers (discounts) on trips are indicated directly on the website and have limited duration and availability.
Some offers may be valid only for a limited number of registrations (“first come, first served”).
Offers cannot be applied retroactively to bookings already made or confirmed.

9.2 Promotional Codes

Any promotional codes are valid exclusively under the conditions and during the periods indicated.
Promotional codes cannot be combined with each other or with already discounted trips, unless otherwise stated.
Promotional codes not entered during the online order cannot be applied retroactively to bookings already made or confirmed.

9.3 Gift Cards (Gift Vouchers / Prepaid Credits)

Gift cards may be used as full or partial payment for the purchase of a trip.
The gift card code must be entered at checkout like a standard promotional code.
Gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
The gift card may be used within the validity period indicated at the time of purchase (if not specified: 12 months from the date of issue).
In case of cancellation by the participant, the value paid using a gift card is non-refundable.
Gift cards cannot be combined with offers or promotional codes unless otherwise stated. As a general rule, only one gift card may be used per trip; the Organizer may, at its discretion and if requested before purchase, combine multiple gift cards into one cumulative gift card.
A gift card not entered during the online order cannot be applied retroactively to bookings already made or confirmed.

9.4 Changes to Offers, Promotional Codes and Gift Cards

The Organizer reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers (discounts), gift cards and promotional codes at any time, without prior notice.
Gift cards already issued remain valid until their natural expiration.

10. Data Protection

The processing of personal data takes place in accordance with the Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy available on the Organizer’s website.
These documents govern the methods of collection, use, storage and protection of participants’ personal data.

11. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

The contract is governed exclusively by Swiss law.
For any dispute between the participant and Pixelized.ch Sagl, the court of Lugano (Switzerland) has exclusive jurisdiction.

12. Entry into Force and Prevailing Language

These General Terms and Conditions enter into force on 18 November 2025 and replace all previous versions.
In the event of discrepancies between versions in different languages, the Italian version prevails.
The updated version is always available on the Organizer’s website.