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Solutions for Getting Around Nova Scotia this Summer

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Signs point toward a busier summer for tourism this year, including the return of many national and international air routes. While this is great news, there is also a challenge of high demand for rental cars in the busy summer months leading to low availability at peak times. 

Limited availability of rental cars is not an issue specific to Nova Scotia. Many rental car companies downsized their inventory during the pandemic to stay afloat, and now a global computer chip shortage is impacting vehicle availability. This is affecting destinations around the globe. Tourism Nova Scotia is engaging in conversations with representatives across industry about this issue, including the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia and service providers. We are also working with industry to encourage travel in all seasons to spread demand beyond the busiest months. 

In the meantime, here are some tips if you’re speaking with travellers who are having trouble booking a rental car:

  1. Encourage travellers to book as early as possible – On the province’s trip planning website, NovaScotia.com, we encourage travellers to book their rental car as early as possible, especially in the summer months when demand is high. Suggest travellers book rental cars prior to booking flights and accommodations.
  2. Call the rental agency directly – Even if there is no availability online, travellers should call car rental agencies directly to check availability. There could be a last-minute cancellation or other solution available.
  3. Check with agencies outside of urban areas – it may be worth calling around to car rental agencies in less busy areas to see if there is any availability. If so, it may be possible to get a taxi, bus, or shuttle to pick up the car.
  4. Choose alternative transportation – there are shuttles, buses, tours, and other transportation options available in many areas of the province. See transportation options at https://www.novascotia.com/travel-info/getting-around.
  5. Car share services - Car sharing services are also a relatively new option helping to fill a gap in the market. Many destinations are pointing to these services as a possible transportation solution. Travellers are encouraged to check with their car insurance providers to ensure they have appropriate coverage.

Do you have a suggestion to add to list? Email us at tns@novascotia.ca.