I was thrilled to get invited to Madeira by PortoBay Hotels after chatting with André at IHTF Europe about their early AI adventures, and this first part of our mini-series captures why this island group feels so special.

I catch up with André Dória, Head of Digital Empowerment, on the PortoBay story and Madeira's unique charm, then dive deep with Rui Alves, Head of IT, on the tech backbone powering everything from seamless reservations to smart guest experiences.

We cover how they're embedding AI thoughtfully, the roadmap ahead for even smarter operations, and why blending cutting-edge systems with island hospitality keeps guests coming back.

What We Explore

- PortoBay's Island Soul: André shares how Madeira's natural beauty and PortoBay's family vibe set them apart in a crowded market.

- Tech That Powers the Magic: Rui breaks down the IT infrastructure holding it all together, from cloud systems to data-driven decisions.

- AI's Smart Role: The careful ways they're using AI to enhance guest stays without losing that personal touch.

André and Rui make it clear: great hotels aren't just about beds and beaches; they're about tech that frees people to create real connections. Excited for Part 2 with Fiona and Alex.

Hoteliers’ Voice is one of FeedSpot's top Hospitality Podcasts and is produced by Urban Podcasts.