People-to-People Encounters for Sustainable Tourism

International Greeter Association (IGA) is a global network of local groups where volunteers welcome visitors for free, small-scale city walks. By creating authentic people-to-people encounters in more than 170 destinations, Greeters promote low-impact, community-based and sustainable urban tourism. Our work contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and supports cities on their path towards responsible tourism.

What makes Greeter tourism sustainable?

Greeter programmes share a set of core characteristics that naturally support sustainable tourism. These principles guide our daily practice in cities around the world.

Low-impact, low-carbon: City walks on foot and by public transport, no additional vehicles or infrastructure. The organization operates fully digital – from registration and communication to feedback – and avoid printed brochures or giveaways wherever possible.

Non-profit and volunteer-based: Greeters are volunteers and do not receive tips or commissions; participation is free of charge for visitors.

Small groups: Greets take place with individuals, couples or small groups up to 6 people, which protects local life and improves quality of encounter.

Respect for local communities: Routes and behaviour are adapted to residents’ needs; sensitive places are treated with care. Greeters often take visitors to lesser-known districts, helping to reduce pressure on overcrowded areas and to share tourism benefits more widely.

Support for local economies: Greeters recommend local cafés, markets, cultural venues and neighbourhood initiatives – always without commercial pressure.
In many cities, Greeters introduce guests to community gardens, neighbourhood centres or social projects that contribute to more sustainable and inclusive urban life.

Intercultural exchange: Personal conversations promote understanding, tolerance and appreciation of diversity.

Our Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a global framework for social, environmental and economic sustainability. Greeter programmes around the world contribute to these goals by promoting respectful encounters, supporting local communities and encouraging low-impact ways of exploring cities.

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Working with IGA on Sustainable Tourism

The International Greeter Association is a reliable partner for cities, tourism boards and organisations that want to strengthen sustainable, community-based tourism. Together, we can develop practical, people-centred solutions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• For cities and tourism boards: Greeter programmes can be integrated into local tourism strategies as a concrete measure for sustainable and inclusive urban tourism.
• For NGOs and community groups: IGA offers a framework to connect local initiatives to a global network of like-minded programmes.
• For international organisations and networks: Greeter experiences provide real-life examples of how tourism can support SDG implementation at city level.

If you are interested in partnering with the International Greeter Association or in reporting Greeter activities as part of your SDG and sustainability initiatives, please contact us. Together, we can make urban tourism more human, more local and more sustainable.