“Dubai is all lit up for Christmas, and in comparison, Goan cities seem to be in darkness,” this ‘darkness’ is what Pele, a traditional fisherman who has plunged into tourism, believes ails the tourism sector.
Tourism, according to Pele, is still lit by tube lights instead of stars that attract visitors. “The low tourist arrivals this season is because we do not want to think out of the box,” reasons Pele, who has added watersports to his portfolio.
“Except for one individual who has made a beautiful decoration in Margao, the whole State seems asleep to the reality that the festive season has arrived. There should have been decorations and lights all around,” reasons Pele.
Baptised Francis Fernandes, Pele is unique because, while he takes his clients through steps of water sports, he does not hide his love for fishing and trying to solve matters involving that industry.
Pele is unique because, while he takes his clients through steps of water sports, he does not hide his love for fishing and trying to solve matters involving that industry.
“Beaches abroad are clean, beach beds are free, showers are free and entry to amusements parks is free. This makes the trickle turn into a flow and it is here that we are lacking,” says Pele, who believes the government should spend more on where the dividends would help the locals.
“Tourism is our bread and butter. It is this industry that now feeds thousands of families and it would be ridiculous for anyone to think that we would allow outsiders to come and take over,” reasons Pele.
He has a different perspective on the taxi issue. “Many complain that our taxi drivers are cheats. I have just returned from Dubai and I found myself cheated by taxis there, too. I was charged UAE Dirhams 150 for a trip to a mall on one day. The next day, another cabbie charged me UAE Dirhams 70,” says Pele.
“Overcharging happens all over the world, and not just in Goa,” presumes Pele, who insists that Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho should sit down to iron out differences with taxi drivers.
Pele and his fellow villagers from Benaulim, rose up in arms when they smelt a fishy move by the Department of Tourism, trying to lease out the parking lot near the beach for 60 years.
Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has been his guest, and many more will follow, because Pele lives life the simple way, and believes straight thinking helps turn around vexed issues.
For example, recently, Pele and his fellow villagers from Benaulim, rose up in arms when they smelt a fishy move by the Department of Tourism, trying to lease out the parking lot near the beach for 60 years.
“There are certain things we are ready to die for. The parking was created for the locals, and not to be leased out to private parties. What has been created for us, must remain with us,” he reasons.
As the clock strikes half past eight in the morning, Pele’s watersports centre, near a starred resort, is abuzz with guests checking out the rates and availability of different rides.
Influencers, Pele thinks, are the sour grapes trying to leave scratches on the industry with fake news about the place.
Pele and his team are there to answer questions, and normally end up sealing all the deals with a smile of satisfaction on the face of clients. That is because the spirit of the boss rubs off on his staff.
Influencers, Pele thinks, are the sour grapes trying to leave scratches on the industry with fake news about the place.
“They generally give wrong news about Goa for reasons best known to them. In my eyes, they are a lot that needs to be ignored,” he suggests.
Enjoying and making others have a good time is one of the essences of Pele’s life. He does not look like the Brazilian football legend, Pele, but definitely, like him, wants other to share his good time.