{April 28, 2006} VICTORIA – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is advising consumers that Atena Travel Tour and Cruises International Ltd. is no longer licensed to sell or offer travel services in British Columbia.

In British Columbia, travel agencies are required to be licensed with the BPCPA and contribute to the Travel Assurance Fund.  The fund compensates consumers who do not receive the travel services they purchased from a licensed British Columbia travel agency.

The BPCPA has been receiving complaints about this agency since last fall and has been working to address the concerns raised. The company’s travel agency licence has now expired. However, the BPCPA has received information that Atena travel is still conducting business, although not from its previously licensed location.

The BPCPA continues to investigate this matter and encourages consumers who have had recent business with this company to contact the BPCPA at its BC toll free number at 1 888 564-9963.

To determine if a travel agency is licensed by the BPCPA, please visit the BPCPA Agency Search Webpage to search licensees or contact the BPCPA Operations unit at its BC toll free number at 1-888-564-9963.