Connecting iCal Channels with Sympl

While iCal connections are more limited in the amount of transmittable data and speed than API connections, they're still an extremely valuable asset to channel managers. An API connection is always preferred, but there are a number of OTAs and other listing platforms which only offer iCal connectivity.

There's also various external apps and usages for iCal data that you're likely to encounter at some point. Finally, there's also the fact that any brand new listing platforms for which Sympl has not acquired API connectivity with yet will most likely offer an iCal connection that can be set up by the user immediately in the meantime.

The most ideal connection involves two-way communication - read on below to learn how to set up both importing and exporting of iCal data.

Exporting an iCal URL from Sympl

1. Navigate to the Channels module from the top menu bar.

   

2. In the Channels List view, click the + Add Channel button.

   

3. In the Channels Overlay, select the iCal tab.

   

   • Choose your channel (e.g., Flipkey, HomeAway).

   • If it’s not listed, select "Unknown", then click Connect.

4. In the Exported Calendars section, click the Add icon.

   

5. Select the Rental whose calendar you want to export.

   

6. Click Export.

7. In the popup window, copy the iCal URL provided.

   

8. Click Done.

9. Go to your external channel’s calendar import section, paste the URL, and save.

Importing an iCal URL into Sympl

1. Navigate to the Channels module from the top menu bar.

2. In the Channels List view, click the + Add Channel button.

3. In the Channels Overlay, go to the iCal tab.

   

   • Choose your iCal channel (e.g., HomeAway, Flipkey), then click Connect (or the + icon if an existing connection is present).

4. In the Imported Calendars section, click the Add button.

   

5. Enter a name for the calendar, select the associated Rental, and paste the iCal URL.

   

6. Click Import.

Troubleshooting a Stale iCal Connection

To fix this:

1. In the Channels module, click on the stale iCal connection.

2. Copy the entire iCal URL from the connection details.

3. In your connected iCal channel (e.g., Flipkey), delete the existing Sympl calendar.

4. Re-import the calendar on your iCal channel using the copied URL.