Connecting your calendar to other platforms helps you keep your availability up to date everywhere you list your property. With an iCal sync, bookings and blocked dates move between Holidu and other channels, which lowers the risk of double bookings. This guide explains which channels are supported and walks you through the import and export steps.

Which channels can I sync with Holidu?

Holidu supports iCal synchronisation with most major booking platforms and calendar providers. The table below shows the current status for each channel. Some channels support only one-way sync, and a few are not supported at all.

If your calendar is not on this list, check with your external provider whether it supports two-way iCal synchronisation. We recommend testing every new connection before you rely on it. Create a manual block on each calendar and confirm that it appears on the other one. We cannot guarantee compatibility with every external iCal calendar, so please verify that your sync works as expected.

How do I import and export an iCal calendar?

To connect a calendar, you copy the iCal URL from the other platform into Holidu, then copy Holidu's iCal URL into the other platform. The steps are the same whether this is your first sync or an additional one. The only difference is which button you click in step 4.

1. Log in to the other channel and find its iCal sync options. Locate your iCal URL (the 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. Choose the button that matches your situation (see the scenarios below). Then select the name of the channel you want to sync from the list.
5. Follow the two steps on the setup screen:
   • 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.
6. Click Save.

Scenario 1: First-time setup

If you have never synced a calendar for this property, click the "Configure" button in step 4. Then select the channel you want to connect and complete steps 5 and 6.

Scenario 2: Additional sync

If you already have at least one sync and want to connect another channel, click the "Add new synchronization" button in step 4. Then select the new channel and complete steps 5 and 6. Your existing synchronisations will not be affected.

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

Each platform handles iCal exports differently, so check these notes before you finish your setup.

• Booking.com: In the export settings on Booking.com, tick the box for "Booked + Closed dates". This makes sure both confirmed bookings and manual blocks sync with Holidu. For details, see the Booking.com iCal instructions.
• Airbnb: The Airbnb iCal syncs only from today through the next 364 days. Dates beyond this range will not sync, so block them manually if you need them unavailable. For details, see the Airbnb iCal instructions.
• VRBO: VRBO (HomeAway) calendars can be connected using their own iCal export and import process. For details, see the VRBO iCal instructions.

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

Most sync problems come from a copied URL or a delay in updating. Try the following steps before you contact support.

• Check the URL: Make sure you copied the iCal URL completely and correctly. A missing character or a typo can stop the sync from working.
• Refresh your calendar: If the calendar does not update right away, click the green "Refresh" button. Blocks can take a few minutes to appear.
• Run a manual test: Create a block in each calendar and confirm that it appears in the other one. This is the fastest way to check whether the sync works.
• Allow for slower channels: Google Calendar refreshes about once per day, so changes may take longer to show up.

Where can I watch a video tutorial?

If you prefer to follow along visually, watch our step-by-step video on connecting Holidu with Airbnb: Watch the video tutorial.