The Region of Crete, in the context of targeted tourism promotion actions, hosted from June 28 to July 3, 2025, in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organization USA – New York Office, the distinguished American travel writer Anthony Grant in the Lassithi Regional Unit. The visit is part of the program of annual journalistic missions that aim to enhance the international visibility of the island.
The American journalist was thrilled by the hospitality, the natural environment, the culture, and the gastronomy. The purpose of the trip was to get to know the destination and the tourist product it offers, with the aim of better promoting Crete in the American market. The guest visited various areas of the Lassithi Regional Unit, including Ierapetra, Myrtos, Makry-Gialos, and the southern beaches of Sitia, the traditional villages of the Lassithi Plateau, Kavousi, where he met local producers and enjoyed Cretan cuisine.
The hospitality will have multiplier benefits for the island, as special features promoting Crete will be produced in the American media that which Anthony Grant collaborates. The journalistic mission is the fruit of cooperation with local organizations and businesses that contributed to the promotion of authentic Cretan hospitality.
The Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism, Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou stated in this regard: “The United States market is our largest target outside Europe, in addition to having the highest average expenditure per stay, and it also has another characteristic. Visitors from the US are thrilled with every aspect of Crete, with an open mind, generosity, and willingness to enjoy Crete, everywhere, in every spot. The goal of Filoxeni Crete is to exceed 20 Fam/Press Trips from all continents this year.”
The Deputy Governor of Lassithi, Yiannis Androulakis, stated: “We are particularly pleased with Anthony Grant’s hospitality in our region. The journalistic mission highlights the gastronomy and people of our place in an excellent way, while the resulting visibility in the American media strengthens the international image of Lassithi and Crete more broadly, as an authentic destination. Actions such as this are part of our overall strategy for the international promotion of Crete and Lassithi, creating new tourist markets and promoting tourist trends.”
The Executive Tourism Advisor for Lassithi, Michalis Klontzas, stated: “Our Crete is a painting! Every place is unique, its mountains and sea, its hospitable inhabitants, Mother Earth with its unique fruits, traditions, and exceptional Cretan hospitality, make up a unique puzzle called CRETE! Anthony experienced this authenticity up close and will convey it to American citizens.”
