Most listing sites support the iCalendar format for exporting and importing calendar data. iCalendar data is limited and should only be used when an API integration is not possible, but it will sync your availability across all channels.
The Lodgix iCalendar Interface
Settings to Exclude guest name or property name from the iCal exports. Also a setting to allow the older iCal format to be imported into Lodgix
Import iCal - All Source: This button can be used to force a manual import of any new or changed calendar data for all properties.
iCal Export URL: This URL would be entered into listing sites that accept iCal imports. This URL will contain basic Lodgix availability data to block dates, assuring that double bookings cannot occur on the listing site.
iCal Import URL: Paste the iCal links from external sites here. Lodgix supports multiple iCal import URLs. These URLs will sync the external calendar and block unavailable dates on the Lodgix calendar.
Auto Import. The auto import features allows Lodgix to automatically poll the iCal import URL. Lodgix polls each iCal import URL roughly every 30 minutes (the sync runs at :10 and :40 past each hour) to check for availability changes. If set to OFF, the import is a manual process.
Generate New iCal URL: This will generate a new iCal URL for the property, replacing the existing one. Note that the old URL will no longer work and will need to ber replaced on any external sites.
Import iCal Data Manually: Use this to force a manual import of any new or changed calendar data for a specific property
Notes About iCalendar Data
iCalendar data can never overwrite Lodgix invoice data. So if a block overlaps an existing block or reservation on your Lodgix calendar, it will not be imported.
iCalendar data remains true to the source. For example, if iCalendar data is being imported from a Google Calendar, and changes made to reservations on the Google Calendar (add a date, remove a date, etc.) will update the iCal block on Lodgix, ONLY if the block was originally created by the Google Calendar iCalendar import.
If there are any conflicts that result when iCalendar data is being imported, those conflicts will be noted in the Logs tab within the iCalendar interface.
iCal Blocks on the Calendar Tape
The iCal block will be displayed in black on the calendar tape. Click it to display additional information and options.
The source of the block (VRBO, Airbnb, Google, etc)
Create Reservation: Use this to convert the block into an actual reservation. More details about this feature here.
Edit: Allows you to edit the note associated with the block. You cannot edit the dates or source of the block.
Delete: Deletes the block from the Lodgix calendar. Note that if the block is not also deleted from the source and you have your calendar set to auto import, the block will be replaced the next time the calendar syncs.