How to Import and Export iCal Links with External Calendars

ReservationKey supports synchronization with external calendars such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Google Calendar using iCal links. This allows you to automatically import reservations from other platforms and export your availability from ReservationKey to those systems.

Where to Find the iCal Section

To access this feature:

1. Go to your Availability Calendar.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click the iCal Links icon.
3. The Import and Export module will open.

---

Importing Reservations from External Calendars

Importing means bringing reservations from another system (such as Airbnb or VRBO) into ReservationKey.

1. In the Import section, click Add next to the room where you want to import bookings.
2. Paste the iCal URL from your external calendar.
   You can find this URL in your external system’s iCal export settings (for example, Airbnb provides this in your calendar export options).
3. Enter a Name for the calendar (e.g., “Airbnb” or “VRBO”).
4. Optionally, select a Custom Status (for example, a special “Airbnb” status for imported reservations).
5. If desired, create a Separate Email Schedule that applies only to reservations imported from this iCal feed.
6. Click Sync with this Calendar.

Once added, ReservationKey will automatically import reservations from that external system and display them on your availability calendar.

Syncing Manually

• ReservationKey automatically syncs iCal imports several times per day.
• If you notice a new booking on Airbnb or VRBO and want it reflected immediately, click Sync Now to manually trigger a refresh.

---

Exporting Reservations to External Calendars

Exporting means sending ReservationKey availability and bookings to other systems.

1. In the same iCal section, click the Export link next to the room you want to share.
2. Copy the Export URL provided.
3. Paste this link into your external system (for example, Airbnb, VRBO, or Google Calendar).

Once connected, your external calendar will automatically receive updates from ReservationKey to keep availability synchronized.

Optional: Include Additional Information in the Export

You can customize the data sent in your export by adding variables to the end of your export URL. Each variable adds more details about the reservation.

For example:

https://www.reservationkey.com/ical/12345/export.ics?GP=1

This example includes the guest’s phone number by adding GP=1 to the end of the link.

Other variables are listed in the iCal export section for easy reference.

---

Summary

• Import: Adds reservations from Airbnb, VRBO, or Google Calendar into ReservationKey.
• Export: Sends your ReservationKey availability to external calendars.
• Manual Sync: Use Sync Now anytime to refresh immediately.
• Custom Variables: Add data like guest names or phone numbers to your export link.

Using iCal links keeps all your booking platforms synchronized automatically, reducing double bookings and ensuring your calendars stay up-to-date.