Synchronizing your Holidu calendar with other booking platforms ensures your availability stays up-to-date across all channels and helps prevent double bookings. This guide walks you through configuring an iCal sync connection in just a few minutes.

Supported Channels for iCal Synchronization

Holidu supports two-way iCal synchronization with the following platforms:

• 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 calendar provider is not listed, check whether they support two-way iCal synchronization. We recommend always testing the connection manually by creating a test block on each calendar to confirm synchronization works correctly.

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee compatibility with every external iCal calendar. Please verify that your sync works as expected before relying on it.

How to Import and Export an iCal Calendar

The import and export process remains the same whether you are setting up your first synchronization or adding an additional one.

First-Time Setup: Configure Your iCal Sync

If this is your first calendar synchronization with Holidu, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the external calendar platform (such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO) and locate the iCal sync options. Find and copy your iCal export URL.
2. In another window, log in to your Holidu account and select your property.
3. On the left-hand sidebar, scroll down to the Configuration section and click on iCal & Synchronization.
4. Click the Configure button to begin your first synchronization setup.
5. Select the name of the channel you want to sync from the available list of options.
6. Complete the two synchronization steps:
   • Step 1 – Import: Paste the iCal URL from your external provider into the "Address of iCal" field.
   • Step 2 – Export: Copy Holidu's iCal URL and paste it into the iCal import section on your external provider's platform.
7. Click Save to complete the setup.

Adding Additional Synchronizations

If you already have one calendar synchronization configured and want to add another, follow the same import and export steps above. Instead of clicking Configure, click Add new synchronization in the iCal & Synchronization section. The configuration process is identical from that point forward.

Important Notes for Popular Booking Platforms

Booking.com

When syncing with Booking.com, ensure you enable the correct export settings:

• Log in to your Booking.com account and navigate to the export settings for your calendar.
• Tick the boxes for both Booked Dates and Closed Dates. This ensures that both confirmed reservations and manual blocks sync properly with your Holidu calendar.

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

Airbnb

Airbnb's iCal synchronization has a specific limitation:

• The Airbnb iCal feed syncs availability only from today through the next 364 days. Dates beyond this 364-day window will not be synchronized.
• Plan your listings with this range in mind, especially for long-term bookings.

For more information, see the Airbnb iCal instructions.

VRBO

For step-by-step guidance on setting up iCal synchronization with VRBO, visit the VRBO calendar sync help article.

Troubleshooting Tips

Calendar Sync Is Not Working

Issue: The connection failed or no calendars are syncing.

Solution: Double-check that the iCal URL is copied correctly from the external platform. Even a small typo can cause the synchronization to fail. Copy the URL carefully and paste it exactly into the Holidu field.

Calendar Is Not Updating

Issue: Changes made in one calendar are not appearing in the other.

Solution: Holidu does not update in real-time. Click the green Refresh button in the iCal & Synchronization section to force an immediate update. Calendar blocks may take a few minutes to appear after refreshing.

Verify the Sync Is Working

Best Practice: Always test the connection manually before relying on it for production use:

1. Create a test block or booking in one calendar (for example, Airbnb).
2. Wait a few minutes and then refresh your Holidu calendar.
3. Confirm that the block or booking now appears in Holidu.
4. Repeat the process in reverse: create a block in Holidu and verify it syncs to the external platform.

This two-way test confirms that your synchronization is working correctly in both directions.

Video Guide: Connecting to Airbnb

For a visual walkthrough of the iCal synchronization process, watch this step-by-step video guide:

Watch the iCal sync to Airbnb video

Ready to sync? Log in to your Holidu account and navigate to the iCal & Synchronization section under Configuration to get started. If you have questions about a specific platform, refer to that platform's iCal documentation linked in this guide.