Connecting your iCal calendar with Holidu keeps your availability aligned across all of your booking platforms, which lowers the risk of double bookings. To set it up, go to iCal & Synchronization in your Holidu account, click Configure for your first sync or Add new synchronization for additional ones, and then paste the iCal links between the two platforms. The connection works in both directions.

What is an iCal sync and how does it work?

An iCal sync is a two-way calendar connection. Holidu imports booked and blocked dates from another channel, and it exports your Holidu availability back to that channel. Each time a calendar refreshes, both platforms show the same availability.

Which channels and calendars are supported?

Holidu supports iCal synchronisation with the providers listed below. Check the table before you start, because some providers only support one-way sync or are not supported at all.

If the calendar you want to import is not listed, ask your external provider whether they support two-way iCal synchronisation. Always test the connection manually by creating a block on each calendar to confirm it syncs correctly.

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee compatibility with every external iCal calendar, so always check that the sync works as expected.

How do I import and export an iCal calendar in Holidu?

Log in to the other channel, copy its iCal export link, and then add that link in Holidu under iCal & Synchronization. Use Configure for your first sync, or Add new synchronization if you already have one. The import and export steps are the same in both cases.

Scenario 1: First-time setup

1. Log in to the other channel and find its iCal sync options. Locate your iCal URL (export link).
2. In another browser window, log in to your Holidu account and select your property.
3. On the left-hand side under Configuration, scroll down and click iCal & Synchronization.
4. Click Configure, then select the name of the channel you want to sync from the list.
5. Follow the two steps on the setup screen (see the import and export steps below).
6. Click Save.

Scenario 2: Additional sync

1. Log in to the other channel and find its iCal sync options. Locate your iCal URL (export link).
2. In another browser window, log in to your Holidu account and select your property.
3. On the left-hand side under Configuration, scroll down and click iCal & Synchronization.
4. Click Add new synchronization, then select the name of the channel you want to sync from the list.
5. Follow the two steps on the setup screen (see the import and export steps below).
6. Click Save.

Import and export steps (the same for both scenarios)

• Step 1 (Import): Paste the iCal URL from the other provider into the "Address of iCal" field.
• Step 2 (Export): Copy Holidu's iCal URL and paste it into the iCal import section on the other provider's platform.

What should I know about Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO?

Each platform has its own iCal rules, so review these notes before you connect. They can affect which dates sync and how far ahead they sync.

• Booking.com: In the export settings on Booking.com, tick the box for "Booked + Closed dates." This ensures that both confirmed bookings and manual blocks sync with Holidu. You can find the full steps in the Booking.com iCal instructions.
• Airbnb: The Airbnb iCal only syncs dates from today through the next 364 days (about one year). Dates beyond this range will not sync, so block them manually if needed. You can find the full steps in the Airbnb iCal instructions.
• VRBO: Follow the VRBO iCal instructions to generate and share your calendar link.

What should I do if my calendar sync is not working?

Most sync problems come from a copied link with a typo or from a calendar that has not refreshed yet. Work through the checks below in order.

• Check the URL: Make sure the iCal URL is copied in full and correctly. Typos can cause the sync to fail.
• Refresh your calendar: If the calendar does not update straight away, click the green "Refresh" button. It can take a few minutes for new blocks to appear.
• Run a manual test: Create a block in each calendar to confirm that it appears in the other one.
• Allow for slower channels: Google Calendar refreshes about once per day, so changes may take a while to appear.

Where can I watch a video tutorial?

To see the setup process for Airbn