- Customers currently using Vrbo iCal are considered part of a separate platform within Vrbo. These users will not be automatically migrated to the API platform.
- If you are one of these customers, you must manually set up your listing in the Cloudbeds PMS using the Vrbo API connection.
- The setup process involves moving your content to the Vrbo API channel within Cloudbeds.
Why Transition from Vrbo iCal to Vrbo API
Switching from the Vrbo iCal to the Vrbo API integration brings immediate benefits, eliminating the drawbacks and limitations of the iCal. Here’s why embracing this transition is a smart move:
- Real-Time Syncing: With the Vrbo API, bookings and inventory sync faster, unlike the iCal’s 30-minute delay. This real-time updating keeps availability accurate, reducing the risk of double bookings and ensuring your listings reflect current inventory.
- Price Synchronization: The iCal sync only blocks dates but cannot transfer pricing, leaving room for potential errors and missed revenue. The API enables price syncing across platforms, so your rates are always up-to-date and competitive.
- Complete Booking Data: iCal bookings offer minimal information (just stay dates and the guest’s first name), whereas the API integration provides detailed booking data—key to managing reservations effectively and personalizing guest experiences.
- Increased Reliability: Vrbo’s iCal has a track record of downtimes, sometimes lasting days. The API, in contrast, is more robust and maintained by Vrbo’s dedicated API team, who are available for support and assistance when needed.
Transitioning to the Vrbo API is a clear upgrade for those seeking a dependable, full-featured connection that streamlines inventory management, pricing, and guest experience.
How to transition from Vrbo ical to Vrbo API
Contact the Vrbo team to get started, express your interest in moving from iCal to the API, and mention that you’ll connect through Cloudbeds.
Vrbo’s dedicated onboarding team is here to assist with the transition. By ensuring that you have all the required content ready in Cloudbeds and keeping open lines of communication with Vrbo, you can help minimize any potential downtime.
Follow the guide here to set up your Vrbo API connection and start onboarding with the Vrbo team.
After creating a new listing through the Vrbo API connection in Cloudbeds, your existing listings connected via iCal must be delisted. The Vrbo onboarding team will help you link existing Vrbo listings, whether connected via iCal or API, to the Cloudbeds listing feed. This allows you to retain listing history, such as reviews.
After completing all setup steps in Cloudbeds PMS, you must remap the listings to the new API connection.
The duration of downtime when transitioning from iCal to the API can vary based on your property's level of preparedness and the efficiency of the onboarding process.
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