Connecting your Holidu calendar to other booking platforms with iCal keeps your availability aligned across channels and reduces the risk of double bookings. Holidu supports two-way iCal synchronisation, so you can import calendars from other providers and export your Holidu calendar to them.

How do I set up an iCal sync between Holidu and another platform?

To set up an iCal sync, log in to Holidu, open your property, and go to Configuration > iCal & Synchronization. Click "Configure" for your first sync, or "Add new synchronization" if you already have one. Then paste the other platform's iCal URL into Holidu and paste Holidu's iCal URL into the other platform. Save both sides and test the connection.

This article explains which channels are supported, how to import and export an iCal calendar step by step, important notes for Booking.com, Airbnb and VRBO, and troubleshooting tips.

Which channels and calendars are supported?

Holidu supports iCal sync with the providers listed below. Some providers support only one direction, and a few are not supported at all.

If the calendar you want to connect is not listed, check with 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.

How to Import/Export an iCal Calendar

The steps below are the same whether you are setting up your first sync or adding an additional one. The only difference is the button you click in step 4.

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 on iCal & Synchronization.
4. Choose the option that matches your situation:
   • First-time setup: Click "Configure".
   • Additional sync: Click "Add new synchronization" if you already have one and want to connect another calendar.
   Then select the name of the channel you want to sync from the list of options.
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.

For a visual walkthrough, watch the video guide on connecting Airbnb.

Important notes for Booking.com, Airbnb and VRBO

Booking.com

In the export settings on Booking.com, tick the box for "Booked and Closed dates". This ensures both confirmed bookings and manual blocks sync with Holidu. For detailed instructions, see the Booking.com iCal instructions.

Airbnb

The Airbnb iCal supports synchronisation only from today through the next 364 days. Dates beyond this range will not sync, so block those dates manually if needed. For more information, see the Airbnb iCal instructions.

VRBO

VRBO calendars can be connected using the iCal links described in the VRBO iCal instructions.

Troubleshooting tips

• Check the URL: Make sure the iCal URL is copied correctly. Even a small typo can cause the sync to fail.
• Refresh your calendar: If the calendar does not update immediately, click the green "Refresh" button. It may take a few minutes for blocks to appear.
• Run a manual test: Create a block in each calendar to confirm the sync works in both directions.
• Allow for refresh delays: Google Calendar updates about once per day, so changes may take longer to appear.
• Check the export setting for Booking.com: If confirmed bookings or manual blocks are missing, confirm that "Booked and Closed dates" is ticked.

Hosts should always verify that the sync works as expected, as compatibility cannot be guaranteed for every external iCal calendar.