What is an iCal and How Can It Keep My Calendars in Sync?

iCal (short for iCalendar) is a versatile file format (.ics) that enables the sharing and synchronisation of calendar information. In the short-term rental industry, agencies can leverage iCal to seamlessly sync availability and booking details across various sales channels, as well as receive calendar updates from property owners and partners.

What is iCal?

• File Format: iCal is a file format (.ics) used to share calendar events and scheduling information.
• Standardized: It adheres to the iCalendar standard (RFC 5545), making it compatible with a wide range of calendar applications and services.
• Versatile: iCal files can include details like start and end times, descriptions, locations, reminders, and more, providing comprehensive event information.

How iCal Can Benefit Short-Term Rental Agencies

1. Syncing with Sales Channels:

   • Integration Across Platforms: iCal files can be used to sync availability and bookings across multiple sales channels, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO. This ensures that your listings are consistently updated, reducing the risk of double bookings.
   • Automatic Updates: By subscribing to the iCal feeds of various sales channels, any changes to availability or bookings are automatically reflected across all platforms, keeping your calendars up-to-date.

2. Receiving iCals from Property Owners and Partners:

   • Real-Time Availability Updates: Property owners can share their iCal calendars with your agency, allowing you to receive real-time updates on availability. This ensures that your listings are always accurate and up-to-date.
   • Seamless Collaboration: By integrating iCal feeds from partners, you can easily manage multiple properties and coordinate with other stakeholders, streamlining the booking process.

3. Sharing and Collaboration:

   • Event Sharing: You can create iCal files for specific properties or events and share them with your team or partners, who can then import them into their own calendars.
   • Public and Private Calendars: You have the option to make your iCal calendars public, enabling others to subscribe, or keep them private, sharing only with select individuals.

4. Subscription Features:

   • Dynamic Updates: Subscribing to an iCal feed allows your calendar to update dynamically. Any changes made to the original calendar will be reflected in all subscribed calendars in real-time.
   • Consistency Across Devices: By subscribing to iCal feeds on multiple devices (e.g., computer, smartphone, tablet), you ensure that your calendar is consistent and up-to-date regardless of where you access it.

5. Efficient Event and Availability Management:

   • Centralised Scheduling: Manage multiple properties and booking channels by centralising all calendar events into one view. This helps avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures that all bookings are accurately reflected.
   • Time Zone Support: iCal files can include time zone information, ensuring that events and bookings are accurately reflected across different time zones, which is crucial for international bookings.

By leveraging iCal, short-term rental agencies can maintain accurate and up-to-date availability across various sales channels, streamline collaboration with property owners and partners, and enhance overall booking management.