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How to import and export calendars so every channel shares the same availability.
10 min read
iCal (.ics) is a standard format for sharing availability. Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo and Hostiv can export busy dates and import feeds from other channels.
The goal: when a night is booked on one channel, it appears blocked everywhere else after the next sync. This is not instant — allow a few hours depending on the platform.
iCal carries blocked dates, not guest details. That is enough to prevent overlaps if you regularly verify feeds are active.
Each platform exposes an export link in listing calendar settings. Copy the full URL (often ending in .ics). Store these links privately — they expose your availability.
If you list on multiple platforms, create one Hostiv import per feed for a consolidated view.
In Hostiv admin, open Calendars and add iCal URLs from your OTA listings as imports. Hostiv blocks incoming dates automatically.
Then copy your Hostiv site iCal URL (export) and paste it into each platform’s calendar settings. Direct bookings will flow back to your OTAs after the next sync.
To validate setup: block a date on a connected OTA and check it appears unavailable on Hostiv within 24 hours — and vice versa after a direct booking.
Direct booking: the date blocks on Hostiv, then flows to Airbnb/Booking via iCal export. OTA booking: Hostiv import blocks the date on your site.
Closed period (maintenance, personal use): block it in Reservations admin (click the date) or on an OTA imported via iCal.
Date changes: if a guest reschedules, update all channels the same day to avoid phantom availability gaps.
iCal sync is not real-time. Depending on the platform, allow 15 minutes to several hours. In peak season, do not rely on sync alone — a daily visual check remains essential.
iCal does not manage dynamic pricing or minimum stay rules across platforms: you remain responsible for pricing consistency on each channel.
In peak season, check sync at least once a day. After a booking or block on an OTA, confirm the date is reflected on Hostiv.
When in doubt, close the period on the OTA that feeds your iCal imports rather than risk an overlap.
Keep a simple log (date, channel, action) while you learn your feeds — it prevents memory gaps during busy periods.
