Prince Edward Island is anticipating a busy 2022 tourism season and earlier this year, the tourism industry recognized that the car rental supply would prove to be a challenge. In an effort to fill this void, the Tourism Industry Association of PEI sought out Turo, Canada’s largest car sharing marketplace, to expedite a launch in PEI just in time for this year’s peak visitor season.

Turo allows individuals to share their personal vehicles on a peer-to-peer platform and earn extra cash, which many new hosts use to offset the cost of vehicle ownership or start a small business. Hosts in tourist hot spots such as Calgary and Vancouver see an average monthly income of $1,100 during the summer months. Beginning on May 17, all local Islanders and visitors can book those vehicles and experience Turo during their time in PEI.

“I am pleased to welcome Turo to the PEI market to help address the anticipated car rental shortage for the upcoming summer tourism season,” said Hon. Matthew MacKay, Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture. “I want to acknowledge the great work of the PEI Tourism Transportation Working Group in addressing this challenge and bringing new options to the Island including car sharing and ride-sharing.”

Both Turo hosts and guests have insurance through Economical available with every reservation. Turo also performs guest screenings, offers 24/7 roadside assistance, and has implemented a number of policies to ensure the safety of its community in the context of COVID-19, including enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines for its hosts and a worry-free, no-charge cancellation policy.

“We are proud to provide a safe and convenient car sharing solution to help alleviate the traditional car rental crunch, especially when the travel industry is set to grow this summer,” says Cedric Mathieu, VP and Head of Canada at Turo. “This launch gives Islanders a unique business opportunity to turn a vehicle, that on average sits idle 95% of the time, into a new stream of income. It also gives guests an extraordinary selection of cars to experience during their time in PEI.”

As a new marketplace option, hospitality leaders expect the PEI community to embrace the culture of car sharing.

“Islanders are well-known for both their hospitality and entrepreneurship,” said Kirk Nicholson, chair of Transportation Committee, Tourism Industry Association of PEI. “Car sharing is a new opportunity that PEI small business owners and individuals can get behind. This extra income is a great way for Islanders to help pay for the cost of owning a vehicle.”

Since its launch in Canada in 2016, Turo has rapidly expanded its car sharing platform to over 1.2 million members and 53,000 cars listed across B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and now PEI. and Newfoundland and Labrador. With the inclusion of these new provinces, Turo is on its way to being available coast-to-coast for local and international travelers.

Prince Edward Island vehicle owners and visitors are invited to visit turo.com or download the Turo app for details.