Hotel Booking System for WordPress is a comprehensive reservation management solution designed for hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. With features like online payments, WooCommerce integration, customizable booking forms, and an intuitive admin panel, it streamlines the entire booking process while providing a seamless experience for both property managers and their guests.

Introducing Version 1.2

We are pleased to announce the release of version 1.2, which introduces full iCalendar integration. This enhancement enables seamless synchronization between your WordPress site and external booking platforms, improving efficiency and preventing scheduling conflicts.

What’s New in Version 1.2?

The core feature of this update is our calendar synchronization system that enables:

• Seamless import of reservations from external platforms (including Booking.com, Airbnb, Google Calendar).
• Automatic export of availability to other booking systems.
• Flexible synchronization configuration for each room.
• Choice between manual and automated synchronization via cron jobs.

Why This Matters?

Managing availability across multiple booking platforms requires precision and attention to detail. This new functionality ensures consistency across all platforms while reducing the time spent on manual calendar updates.

How Does It Work?

The system offers two synchronization methods:

1. Reservation Import:
   • Manual .ics file upload.
   • Automated synchronization via URL.
   • Configurable periodic data fetching.
2. Availability Export:
   • Generation of dedicated calendar link.
   • Easy integration with popular platforms.
   • Real-time availability updates when accessed.

Getting Started with iCal Synchronization

Setup is straightforward – navigate to the new ‘iCalendars’ tab in your admin panel where you can:

• Add new connections with external calendars.
• Configure automatic synchronization.
• Monitor synchronization history in the event log.

Practical Implementation

Exporting Availability to Booking.com

1. Generate your export URL in the Hotel Booking System.
2. Log into your Booking.com extranet.
3. Navigate to ‘Calendar & Pricing’.
4. Paste the URL in the calendar sync section.

Your Hotel Booking System will now automatically update Booking.com with your property’s availability.

Importing Bookings from Booking.com

1. Log into your Booking.com extranet.
2. Go to ‘Calendar & Pricing’.
3. Find your calendar’s iCal export URL.
4. In Hotel Booking System, navigate to ‘iCalendars’.
5. Click ‘Add New’ and select your hotel and room.
6. Go to the ‘Import’ -> ‘Scheduled’ tab.
7. Paste the Booking.com iCal URL.
8. Set up the cron job using the provided command.

Once configured, any reservations made on Booking.com will automatically appear in your Hotel Booking System calendar.