How to synchronize the Airbnb calendar with that of Booking

Both Airbnb and Booking.com are popular platforms for booking accommodations, each with its own set of benefits and features. If you’re a host who lists your property on both platforms, it can be challenging to manage your availability effectively. However, by synchronizing the Airbnb with that of Booking.com, you can streamline your bookings and avoid double bookings or availability errors. In this article, we will you through the process of synchronizing your Airbnb calendar with the calendar on Booking.com.

Step 1: Assess your booking management needs

Before you begin the synchronization process, it’s important to assess your booking management needs. Determine how you want to handle bookings from both platforms. Do you want the availability from one platform to be automatically synced to the other, or would you prefer to manually manage your availability on each platform? This decision will affect the choice of tools or methods you use for synchronization.

Step 2: Utilize a channel manager

One of the most efficient ways to synchronize your Airbnb and Booking.com calendars is by using a channel manager. A channel manager is a tool that integrates with multiple booking platforms and automatically updates availability across all channels whenever a booking is made. It saves hosts time and effort by eliminating the need for manual synchronization.

There are various channel managers available, such as Syncbnb, iCal, and Rentals United. Research and choose the one that best fits your needs. Sign up for an on the chosen channel manager and follow the instructions to connect your Airbnb and Booking.com accounts.

Step 3: Configure synchronization settings

Once you have connected your Airbnb and Booking.com accounts to the channel manager, you need to configure the synchronization settings. This typically entails authorizing access to your calendars and specifying preferences. You can choose to sync both bookings and availability or only availability.

It’s important to carefully review and set up your synchronization settings to ensure they align with your desired booking management approach. For example, if you want to manually manage your bookings on each platform while automatically syncing availability, adjust the settings accordingly.

Step 4: Monitor and adjust

After setting up synchronization, it’s crucial to regularly monitor your calendars on both Airbnb and Booking.com. Check for any discrepancies or anomalies in availability and bookings. While channel managers are designed to minimize errors, occasional discrepancies can still occur due to technical glitches or updates on the platforms.

In the event of any inconsistencies, take prompt action to resolve them. Reach out to the channel manager’s support team for assistance if needed. Always double-check the accuracy of your calendars before confirming bookings to ensure a positive experience for guests and avoid any complications.

Step 5: Keep calendar updates in mind

While the synchronization process ensures that availability is updated consistently across platforms, it’s important to remember that calendar changes may take some time to reflect on all platforms. The syncing is not instantaneous, and there can be a delay of a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the channel manager and platform.

Therefore, it’s advisable to block off a buffer period in case of last-minute bookings on one platform overlapping with a pending update on the other platform. Regularly check your calendars, especially during peak booking periods, to address any issues promptly and maintain accurate availability.

In conclusion, synchronizing the Airbnb calendar with that of Booking.com is essential for hosts managing their listings on both platforms. By using a channel manager or other synchronization tools, hosts can streamline their bookings, minimize errors, and save time on manual updates. Remember to carefully configure the synchronization settings, monitor the calendars regularly, and keep potential delays in mind. With effective synchronization, hosts can efficiently manage their availability and provide a seamless booking experience for guests on both Airbnb and Booking.com.