At VR Hotelo, we’re dedicated to advancing virtual reality in the hospitality sector. A recent event during our R&D researcher Filip Živaljić’s Erasmus exchange in Madeira, Portugal, gave us a chance to share our work with the next generation of managers. Filip presented VR Hotelo’s goals, roadmap, research framework, analytics, and survey results in a course led by Prof. Eduardo Leite, Ph.D., at the Higher School of Technology and Management (part of the University of Madeira). The session inspired students and highlighted how VR tools like ours can support Madeira’s growing hospitality market.
Understanding Madeira’s Hospitality Market
Madeira, often called Portugal’s hidden gem, is seeing strong growth in its tourism and hospitality industry in 2025. With new flights connecting it to more destinations in the US, Europe, and beyond, the island is attracting record numbers of visitors. For example, cruise passenger numbers have risen by over 23% this year, marking the best season on record. Hotel occupancy rates are also high, reaching around 87% during peak periods like Easter, up from previous years. Madeira accounts for about 19% of Portugal’s tourism revenue, driven by luxury stays, a vibrant culinary scene, and a focus on sustainable practices.
This growth comes with challenges, such as the need for digital innovation to handle increased demand while promoting eco-friendly tourism. International hotel chains are expanding here, and there’s a push for better revenue per available room (RevPAR) through smart technologies.
The Presentation: Sharing VR Hotelo’s Vision
Filip’s talk focused on VR Hotelo’s core elements. He outlined our strategic goals, like creating scalable VR platforms for personalized hotel previews and AI recommendations. The research framework he described uses data analytics to track user engagement, helping hotels refine their offerings.
Benefits for Future Managers Finishing Their Studies
For students at the Higher School of Technology and Management, many of whom are nearing the end of their degrees in management and technology, the presentation was a practical look at the future of hospitality. As future managers, they’ll enter a market where digital tools are key to staying competitive. VR Hotelo equips them with insights into expertise economics—trends where knowledge and data drive business decisions.
By learning about our analytics and surveys, students saw how to measure VR’s impact on customer loyalty and revenue. This prepares them to implement similar technologies in their careers, whether managing hotels in Madeira or elsewhere in Portugal. One student noted how it opened their eyes to using VR for marketing and operations, skills that will give them an edge in job interviews and roles. Overall, the group left with a better understanding of how VR can create measurable benefits, like higher occupancy and personalized guest experiences, in a booming market like Madeira’s.
Spotlight on Prof. Eduardo Leite
We owe much of the event’s success to Prof. Eduardo Leite, Ph.D., Vice-President of the Higher School of Technology and Management at the University of Madeira. With a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Prof. Leite is an expert in entrepreneurship and management. He oversees educational programs and has published widely on topics relevant to hospitality, like digital maturity in businesses.
Prof. Leite facilitated the session, encouraging discussions on ethical VR use and its role in sustainable tourism. His guidance helped students connect VR Hotelo’s work to real-world applications in Madeira, where tourism is a major economic driver. We’re grateful for his support, which made the presentation a valuable learning experience.
Looking Ahead
This Erasmus showcase is a great example of how VR Hotelo collaborates with academia to build the future of hospitality. In Madeira’s dynamic market, our tools offer clear advantages for innovation and growth. If you’re a hotel owner, manager, or student interested in VR, reach out to see how we can help.