Hoteliers' Voice - Testing AI Internally: Andre Doria from PortoBay

Can AI transform hospitality without losing its heart? In this episode of Travel Market Life, recorded live at the IHTF in Portugal, I sit down with André Doria, digital pioneer at PortoBay Hotels & Resorts, a 16-property Madeira treasure known for its soulful guest connections. Hailing from the stunning Madeira Islands, André reveals how his team crafted a custom AI to empower staff—predicting cancellations, streamlining operations—while keeping guest experiences warm and authentic. His passion for merging cutting-edge tech with ironclad security sparks a bold vision for AI in a people-first industryWe dive into PortoBay’s recipe for fierce staff loyalty on an island where tourism drives 80% of the economy. André shares how experimenting with open-source AI has sharpened their edge, sidestepped data risks, and preserved hospitality’s essence—like cherished guest postcards that still bring smiles years later.Travel Market Life is one of FeedSpot's top Hospitality Podcasts and is produced by Urban Podcasts.