Bookings for 2022 and beyond are ramping up." All those bookings mean more calls coming into the tour operators. The sudden influx of business is making the long hold times for call centres – a problem throughout the pandemic – even worse. Tour operators taking part in the TPI Emerge panel discussion recently tackled the issue head-on. "It's the elephant in the room," said Lucy Sabella, VP Operations for Air Canada Vacations. Current hold times are upwards of three hours, she noted, adding "we've been seeing this every day for the past while." Adamo said Transat is experiencing similar challenges, while Sunwing Travel Group's COO Andrew Dawson said Sunwing has been cushioned somewhat thanks to call centre resources at U.S.-based Vacations Express, owned by Sunwing Travel Group. Sabella, Adamo and Dawson all say they've been onboarding hundreds of new recruits for their call centres.