Managing availability and prices on Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO and your website manually is risky and time-consuming. One mistake leads to a double booking — one of the most stressful situations for a host. A channel manager solves this automatically.
What is a channel manager?
A channel manager is software that automatically synchronises availability, rates and bookings across all the platforms you're on. When someone books on Airbnb, the system automatically blocks those dates on Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia and your website — in real time.
How synchronisation works
There are two main methods:
- Direct API (2-way sync) — Native connection with OTAs via certified API. Real-time, bidirectional updates. This is the most reliable method.
- iCalendar (iCal) — Standard format for exporting/importing calendars. Works with any platform but has an update delay (from 15 minutes to a few hours).
Hub-and-spoke: il channel manager sincronizza tutti i canali in tempo reale
OTAs supported by a professional channel manager
- Airbnb (certified API)
- Booking.com (certified API)
- VRBO / HomeAway
- Expedia / Hotels.com
- Google Hotel Search
- Agoda, TripAdvisor
- Any platform via iCal
The concrete benefits
- Zero double bookings — the main risk eliminated
- Save 2–3 hours/week — no more manual updates
- Always up-to-date rates — change the price once, it updates everywhere
- More distribution — you can be on 5+ OTAs without additional effort
- Centralised reports — see all bookings in one dashboard
How to choose the right channel manager
Evaluate these criteria:
- Number of OTAs supported (minimum Airbnb + Booking.com)
- Connection type (API vs iCal)
- Sync time (the faster, the better)
- Integration with PMS (Property Management System)
- Monthly price and fee structure
- Customer support (chat, phone, email)
GoHostDirect: channel manager + PMS + booking website
GoHostDirect combines channel manager, PMS, booking website and payment system in one platform. The connection with Airbnb and Booking.com is via certified API, with real-time synchronisation.