❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Vrbo iCAL Integration
🧾Summary
Answers to the most common questions about Vrbo iCAL PMS
📚Questions
📌 What is the Integration Name, and why is it needed? Can I change it later?
📌 What is the difference between linking a PMS and connecting via iCAL?
📌 Can I add the iCAL link at the same time I create a new unit?
📌 What are the fears that a customer will have for which they will not finish the work on this page?
📌 I have multiple Vrbo accounts. Which one should I use to authorize Arubo?
📌 What if my units were already in Arubo and then I linked Vrbo?
📌 Do I need to link the PMS again every time I log into Aruvo?
💡What is an iCAL Integration?
An iCAL integration allows you to sync your unit and reservation data from platforms like Vrbo. This helps keep your Aruvo stay calendar up-to-date with your other booking platforms.
💡What is the Integration Name, and why is it needed? Can I change it later?
The Integration Name is a label that helps you easily identify this specific connection in your Aruvo dashboard. You can label it based on the booking channel ("Vrbo - Beach Houses") or a specific property group. This name is for your reference only and can be edited later in the integration settings.
💡How do I sync my Vrbo calendar with Aruvo?
Similar to Airbnb, Aruvo syncs with your Vrbo calendar using an iCal link to import your booking information. This helps to prevent double bookings by keeping your Aruvo calendar in sync with your Vrbo reservations.
How to get your Vrbo iCAL link:
Log in to your Vrbo account on a desktop or web browser.
Go to the Calendar section.
Select the listing you wish to sync.
On the right side of the screen, find and click the Export Calendar link.
Copy the generated iCAL link.
In Aruvo, paste this link into the designated field on your unit's detail page.
💡What is the difference between linking a PMS and connecting via iCal?
Linking a PMS creates an automated, two-way connection to sync your properties and stay details. iCAL (Internet Calendar) connections are typically one-way and are used to sync bookings from channels like Airbnb and Vrbo to prevent double bookings.
💡Can I add the iCAL link at the same time I create a new unit?
Yes. To streamline the setup process, you can provide the iCal URL for your unit directly within the manual unit creation form. This is an optional step, and you can always add or edit the iCal URL later from the main integrations page.
💡What information is synced from my Vrbo iCAL link?
The iCAL link from Vrbo syncs calendar availability. This will update your Aruvo calendar with all reserved dates. It does not sync guest details, reservation details, or financial information.
💡What if I have multiple Vrbo listings?
You must generate a unique iCal link for each Vrbo listing and add it separately to the corresponding unit in your Aruvo portal.
💡 Why do I need to authorize Arubo?
Authorization allows Aruvo to "read" your reservation data. For iCAL, this technically means permitting Aruvo to access the link that contains your calendar dates so the TVs can automatically display the correct guest name and stay duration.
💡Is it safe to connect my Vrbo account?
Yes. iCAL is a standard, non-invasive technology. Aruvo only receives date and availability info; it cannot access your bank details, change your prices, or message your guests through Vrbo.
💡What happens after I click authorize?
Once you provide the iCal link, Aruvo begins its first sync. It pulls the reserved dates from Vrbo and matches them to the property you’ve set up in the Aruvo dashboard.
💡What are the fears that a customer will have for which they will not finish the work on this page?
Common anxieties include:
Double Bookings: Fear that the sync might fail and allow two guests to book the same night (Note: Aruvo only reads the calendar for the TV; it doesn't manage the actual booking availability on Vrbo).
Data Privacy: Fear that guest information will be shared.
Tech Overwhelm: Thinking that setting up an iCal link is a "coding" task (it is just a simple copy-paste).
💡I have multiple Vrbo accounts. Which one should I use to authorize Arubo?
You must generate a unique iCal link for each listing. If you have properties across multiple accounts, simply go to each account, grab the specific iCAL link for the listing, and add it to the corresponding unit in Aruvo.
💡What if I have multiple Vrbo listings?
You must generate a unique iCal link for each Vrbo listing and add it separately to the corresponding unit in your Aruvo portal.
💡How do I get all the units?
You must go to the Calendar section of each Vrbo listing, click "Export Calendar," copy the link, and paste it into the designated field on your unit's detail page in Aruvo.
💡What if my units were already in Arubo and then I linked Vrbo?
You can simply edit your existing Aruvo unit and add the Vrbo iCAL link to it. This "links" the existing unit to your live Vrbo calendar without needing to create a new one.
💡What if I duplicate units?
If you accidentally create two units for one property, you can simply delete the extra one or "Mute" it in the Aruvo dashboard so it doesn't appear on any TVs.
💡Should I delete the units and then read from Vrbo?
No. It is better to keep your existing units (to save any content you've already built) and just paste the iCal link into the unit settings to start the sync.
💡Do I need to link the PMS again every time I log into Arubo?
No. Once the iCAL link is saved in Aruvo, it will continue to sync automatically in the background.
💡How quickly will a stay sync?
Aruvo checks for updates approximately once per hour. If a guest books now, it will typically show up on the Aruvo dashboard/TV within 60 minutes.
💡What are my options once I finish this?
You can customize your Welcome Screen, set up local guidebooks, and enable "Auto-Personalization" so the TV greets every guest by name.
💡Can I revoke authorization later?
Yes. You can simply delete the iCal link from the Aruvo dashboard to stop the connection immediately.
💡Can I skip this?
Yes, but if you skip it, the TV Welcome Screen will stay generic (e.g., "Welcome Guest") instead of personalizing it (e.g., "Welcome John Smith").
💡If I have done an action, how do I remove it?
Go to the specific unit in Aruvo and clear/delete the iCAL URL from the integration field.
💡What will happen if I don't do an action?
If you don't link the iCal, your Aruvo stay calendar will not update automatically. You would have to manually type in guest names and dates for every new reservation.
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