iCal Overview
Import vs export, why use it (Airbnb, Booking, avoid double-bookings).
Calendar sync (iCal) lets you import availability from other platforms (e.g. Airbnb, Booking.com) into HostManageGo and export your HostManageGo reservations so other platforms can block dates too. This article explains import vs export and why to use it.
Import vs Export
Import
Import means HostManageGo pulls events from an external calendar (e.g. your Airbnb or Booking.com calendar) and blocks those dates on your property calendar in HostManageGo. So when someone books on Airbnb, that booking appears in HostManageGo as blocked, and you (or guests) cannot book the same dates again in HostManageGo. This avoids double bookings.
You add an iCal URL (export link) from the other platform in Settings → Calendar Sync. HostManageGo periodically fetches that URL and updates the property calendar. See Importing Calendars.
Export
Export means HostManageGo provides an iCal URL that other platforms can use to pull your HostManageGo reservations. So when you create a reservation in HostManageGo (direct booking, AI, or manual), that reservation is sent out via the export URL. If you add that URL to Airbnb or Booking.com as "iCal sync" or "Export calendar", those platforms block the same dates and will not allow double bookings on their side.
You get the export link from Settings → Calendar Sync (or from the property’s calendar section). You then paste that link into the other platform’s calendar sync settings. See Exporting Calendars.
Why Use It
- Avoid double bookings – If you list the same property on Airbnb, Booking.com, and your own site (HostManageGo), each platform only knows its own bookings. By importing and exporting iCal, all platforms see the same blocked dates: Airbnb bookings block dates in HostManageGo, and HostManageGo reservations block dates on Airbnb and Booking.com.
- One calendar view – In HostManageGo you see both: reservations created in HostManageGo and events imported from other platforms. So you have one place to check availability.
- Automatic updates – Import and export are updated periodically (or when you trigger a sync). You do not have to block dates manually on each platform.
Summary
- Import = other platform’s calendar → HostManageGo (so their bookings block dates in HostManageGo).
- Export = HostManageGo → other platform (so your HostManageGo reservations block dates on their calendar).
Use both when you list the same property on multiple channels so availability stays in sync and double bookings are avoided.