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Sync Your Calendars with iCal and Avoid Duplicate Bookings

Learn to import and export calendars with iCal to keep your availability updated across all platforms and avoid overbookings with a few clic

Written by Hervé
Updated over 5 months ago

Centralize and Sync Your Availability with iCal

When managing multiple accommodations across different platforms, keeping calendars up to date can be a challenge. With the iCal feature in VRMS, you can easily sync availability, reduce errors, and gain peace of mind. You just need to generate and copy links: the system takes care of the rest.

If you can't find the iCals in your calendar, request activation from the support team.

Import Calendars with iCal

iCal import allows you to incorporate availability blocks from other portals into your VRMS.

Step by Step

  1. Go to VRMS → Accommodations → Short-term Rentals → Property List and click the full view button

    for the corresponding accommodation.

  2. Click the "View Calendar" button, located at the end of the file, after the "Administrative Management" section.

  3. In the "ICALENDAR" section, paste the iCal link in the "iCalendar Import" field.

  4. Press "Import iCal" to load the availability.

Pay Attention to Details

  • The update is not immediate; it may take several hours, depending on each portal's policy.

  • Only availability is synced. Blocks are recorded as "Owner booking" and do not include booking information.

  • If you use a PMS connected via API, iCal import will not work, as the availability sent by the PMS overwrites the imported data.

  • It is not possible to configure iCal for inactive accommodations.

Export Calendars with iCal

iCal export generates a link that you can share with portals or external calendars compatible with this format, ensuring smooth synchronization.

Step by Step

  1. Access the accommodation file.

  2. Click View Calendar.

  3. In the ICALENDAR section, select Generate iCal.

  4. Copy the generated link and paste it into the portals you want to sync (as long as they accept iCal).

Best Practices

  • Repeat the process for each accommodation and portal: each has its own iCal link.

  • Check that the link works by pasting it into your browser; a file with the exported blocks will be downloaded.

Common Mistakes

  • Thinking that rates or bookings are synced: iCal only transfers availability blocks.

  • Believing that history is exported: iCal only shares future data.

Configuration of "Under Request" Periods

You can define how "Under Request" periods are exported:

  • As a blocked period.

  • As a free period.
    This option is configurable per accommodation.
    If you work with iCal exports and "Under Request" periods, ask the support team to activate this configuration.

With iCal, you can import blocks from other portals into VRMS or export your availability to them. This way, you avoid duplicate bookings, simplify management, and ensure consistency across all your channels.

Set up your iCal links in all key accommodations and portals to optimize management and improve efficiency starting today.


Frequently Asked Questions

What data is imported with iCal?

Only availability. Blocks appear as "Owner booking" and do not contain booking information.

How long does it take for an iCal calendar to update?

It depends on the portal. The update is not instant and may take several hours.

Are prices and bookings synced with iCal?

No. iCal only manages availability blocks. For prices and complete bookings, an API is necessary.

Can I use iCal for inactive accommodations?

No. iCal does not work for inactive accommodations.

How do I check if my iCal link works?

Copy and paste your iCal link into the browser's search bar. A file will be downloaded that you can open with a Notepad to view the exported blocks.

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