The movie is set on the small Greek island of “Kalokairi,” which is described as a haven for distressed individuals due to its breathtaking views and refreshing environment. The setting reflects typical Greek surroundings, including donkeys, square-shaped concrete villas, and sloping terrain. This peaceful, clean, and preserved environment makes it an ideal place to wake up every morning. Additionally, Skopelos, an unspoiled island popular among British and Greek tourists, also serves as a setting in the movie.
Skopelos, which is considered an expensive island in Greece, is not popular among backpackers. It is renowned for its plum, pear, and pine tree produce, and is known as the greenest and freest island in Greece. Despite being a small paradise, Villa Donna, a business operating on Skopelos, faces significant problems that affect its operations. These existing issues could potentially lead to more severe problems in the future. Donna is worried about the multitude of challenges her hotel currently encounters.
I can think of several major problems that she is facing now. Second is accessibility. This is a major issue in the movie. We all know that there are no airports located on the island or even bridges connecting the island to the mainland. The only transportation available is by sea. The problem is that there is only one transfer and the next is in a couple of days. One solution that I can think of is that Villa Donna should schedule more transfers and make it daily so that tourists cannot be burdened with only one transfer. This factor is one issue that tourists take into consideration before they go to different places.
Just like the issue with the two leading men, they were tardy, causing the boat to depart without them and leaving them with a wait of a couple of days. Luckily, the other individual possesses his own boat. Fourthly, there is DEPARTMENTALIZATION. Implementing departmentalization will undoubtedly enhance hotel operations. By assigning specific tasks to staff members, they can be more efficient and productive compared to working without defined roles. Donna should establish distinct departments in her hotel to ensure that each individual can effectively manage their designated area, unlike Donna who handles everything herself, from plumbing to patching floor cracks.
Donna must provide trainings for her staff to ensure they understand their responsibilities. In addition, seminars should be offered to educate employees about different cultures, as some may not be aware of the diversity that exists. It is important to recognize that what offends one person may not concern another. Capital availability is also a key factor, as financial resources are essential for implementing these necessary changes. Thus, Donna needs to create a strategic plan to obtain the funds required for smooth hotel operation.
Donna should ensure she pays her debts and maintains a positive account with suppliers to simplify ordering from them. Despite her desire to renovate her hotel, Donna lacks the necessary resources. When considering these challenges, another significant problem arises: the decline in tourist arrivals. Ultimately, the funds for upgrades come from the customers, making their presence vital for the hotel’s survival and overall business.
Economic, Socio-cultural, and Environmental Impacts: Positive and Negative Impacts
ECONOMIC IMPACT: With Donna’s hotel, there is potential for job creation. A hotel requires a sufficient workforce to function effectively. Insufficient staff can lead to issues and potential hotel malfunctioning. Donna’s hotel could contribute to the island’s income, thus improving its economy. This economic boost would primarily benefit the local community, as Donna would provide job opportunities for them.
These opportunities are for the local agriculture. Farmers can supply Donna fresh produce and meat, and fishermen can supply seafood. With this, everyone is happy. However, it is important to note that these people should solely depend on tourism itself. If tourism declines in the future, those who rely on it will also suffer. To combat this, the first step is for Donna to market the property. By branding the place as a romantic destination, Villa Donna can become known as the ultimate romantic getaway.
Considering the warm and romantic environment, Donna should utilize all available resources to promote her property in this information age. As suggested by Sophie’s fiance, wiring the place to the Internet and creating online advertisements is a viable option. Additionally, taking advantage of popular social networks like Facebook, Multiply, Friendster, Blogs, Twitter, etc., can prove beneficial as almost everyone has access to these platforms. By creating accounts on these social networks, Donna can invite people and advertise her property. Alternatively, she can also incorporate the wonders and mythologies of Greece.
It has been mentioned previously that there was a fountain dedicated to Aphrodite located on the island. The belief was that those who drank from this fountain would be able to discover their true love, thus enhancing the island’s romantic allure. Donna can capitalize on this by creating various offerings associated with Aphrodite. Additionally, she can rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from visitors and her own circle of family and friends. Another strategy Donna can employ is the distribution of fliers and brochures that provide more detailed information about the hotel. For a more assertive promotional approach, Donna can explore advertising opportunities in hospitality publications.
To boost tourism expenditures, one strategy is to offer diverse activities on the island. These activities may include water-based options like snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and other similar choices. Furthermore, organizing nightly live entertainment can enrich the tourist experience throughout the day and evening. Another approach involves incorporating local residents into tourism initiatives. This can be accomplished by hosting Greek festivities or hotel activities that appeal to locals and encourage them to visit the island. Additionally, weekly concerts showcasing local artists can attract and involve the nearby community.
Donna’s efforts to arrange weddings in the beautiful chapel situated uphill will certainly be appreciated by the locals. This has the potential to significantly increase tourism spending, as the location itself holds great promise.
Sources:
http://gogreece.about.com/od/greecemovies/a/mammamiamovie.htm,
http://www.mammamiamovie.com/main.html,
http://www.eturbonews.com/6841/money-money-money-greek-island-mamma-mia-draws-tourist-hordes,
http://www.skopelosweb.gr/english/villas.html,
http://www.holidayislands.com/skopelos/, and
http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/envi/index.html.
