Syncing your calendar across multiple platforms is essential for managing your property efficiently and avoiding double bookings. This guide will walk you through configuring iCal synchronization to connect your Holidu calendar with other booking platforms and calendar services.

Introduction to iCal Synchronization

iCal synchronization creates a two-way connection between your Holidu calendar and external platforms. This means you can both import availability from other channels and export your Holidu availability to them. Once configured, your calendar stays updated automatically, ensuring your booking information is consistent across all platforms.

Supported Channels

Holidu supports iCal synchronization with the following providers:

• Admin
• Abritel
• Airbnb
• Atraveo
• Avaibook
• Avantio
• Booking.com
• FeWo-direkt
• Feratel
• Fewomanager.de
• Icnea
• Iperbooking
• Menorca Vacations
• Mister B & B
• Octorate
• TouristManager - LTS
• VRBO
• Wimdu

If your desired calendar provider is not listed, check with them to confirm they support two-way iCal synchronization. We recommend testing the connection manually by creating a block on each calendar to verify proper synchronization.

Disclaimer: We do not guarantee compatibility of external calendars with iCal. Always verify that the sync functions as expected before relying on it for your property management.

How to Import and Export an iCal Calendar

First-Time Setup

If you're connecting a calendar for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Log into your external platform (such as Booking.com or Airbnb) and locate the iCal synchronization settings. Copy your iCal export URL.
2. In a new window, log into your Holidu account and select your property.
3. On the left-hand navigation menu, scroll down to Configuration and click on iCal & Synchronization.
4. Click the Configure button.
5. Select the name of the channel you wish to synchronize from the dropdown list.
6. Complete the two setup steps:
   • Step 1 – Import: Paste the iCal URL from the external provider into the "Address of iCal" field.
   • Step 2 – Export: Copy the Holidu iCal URL displayed on screen and paste it into the iCal import section on your external provider's platform.
7. Click Save to complete the configuration.

Adding Additional Synchronizations

If you've already configured one calendar sync and want to add another channel, the process is similar:

1. Log into your Holidu account and select your property.
2. Navigate to Configuration and click on iCal & Synchronization.
3. Click the Add new synchronization button.
4. Select the new channel from the dropdown list.
5. Follow the same import and export steps as described above.
6. Click Save to activate the new synchronization.

The import and export process remains identical regardless of whether you're setting up your first synchronization or adding additional ones.

Important Notes About Major Booking Platforms

Booking.com

When exporting your calendar from Booking.com, ensure you have enabled the correct settings in the export configuration. Make sure to tick the box for Booked and Closed Dates. This setting ensures that both confirmed bookings and manual availability blocks sync correctly with Holidu.

For detailed instructions, visit the Booking.com iCal sync guide.

Airbnb

Airbnb's iCal synchronization has a specific limitation: it only supports calendar synchronization from today through the next 364 days. Any dates beyond this 364-day window will not be synchronized. This means your far-future availability may need to be manually managed or updated as dates approach the active sync window.

For more information, check the Airbnb iCal help article.

VRBO

VRBO supports iCal calendar synchronization to keep your availability consistent across platforms. For detailed setup instructions specific to VRBO, refer to their calendar sync guide.

Troubleshooting Tips

Calendar Sync Is Not Working

Check Your iCal URL: The most common issue is an incorrectly copied iCal URL. Verify that you've copied the entire URL without any typos or extra spaces. Even a single character difference will cause the synchronization to fail.

Changes Are Not Appearing Immediately

Refresh Your Calendar: Calendar synchronization is not instantaneous. If you don't see updates within a few minutes, click the green Refresh button next to your synchronized calendar in the iCal & Synchronization section. This forces an immediate sync check.

Confirm Synchronization Is Working

Perform a Manual Test: To verify that your synchronization is functioning correctly, create a test availability block or booking hold on one platform. Monitor whether it appears on the other platform within a few minutes. This manual test confirms that the two-way connection is properly established and functioning as expected.

Still Having Issues?

If you've followed all troubleshooting steps and synchronization is still not working, verify with your external provider that their iCal feature is enabled on your account. Some providers may require specific permissions or account upgrades to access iCal functionality.