Cretian drama unfolds against charming island backdrop

A scene worthy of a trashy crime thriller this week unfolded on the idyllic Greek island of Crete as a duel broke out between rival travel agents.

Island dwellers and blissed-out guests are currently enjoying a week of solid sunshine and temperatures in the mid-30s, but the heat must have got to one unidentified female travel agent, who attempted to shoot her 53-year-old male nemesis at the gorgeous old port town of Hania, reportedly over a professional disagreement.

If this looks like irresponsible behaviour from the Greek island's tourist industry, however, that impression should be offset by work currently underway to create south-eastern Europe's leading green tourist destination on the island.

Developers are working to transform 6,000 acres of arid land into a development comprising golf courses and holiday homes called Cavo Sidero.

Developers the Minoan Group are planning to encourage sensible water use by guests, as well as sowing the golf courses with seashore paspalum, a type of grass which can be watered with sea water, drawing on the island's natural resources.

The land on the east of Crete earmarked to be developed to become Cavo Sidero is currently owned by a Greek orthodox monastery, and scattered with olive groves and wild goats.

Holidaymakers can fly to Crete from dozens of UK airports including Manchester, Gatwick and Stansted.