International Greeter Association

About Greeters and their idea

The Greeter Idea

The Greeter idea was born 1992 in New York when Lynn Brooks initiated “Big Apple Greeters” and since then has been set up in more than 140 cities and regions across the whole world, from Argentina to Vietnam. The informal “Global Greeter Network” was established as registered International Greeter Association in 2019. Learn more about Lynn Brooks and the history of the Greeter idea.
All destinations share the same core values.
Greeters welcome visitors to their city and take them on a personal, two- to three-hour walk showing them the city beyond the guide books and off the beaten track.
Greeters are volunteers who love their city or region and are keen to share with you their enthusiasm and knowledge about the city or region.
During your walk, you’ll discover the city on foot or using public transport network. Whether you’re visiting a city for the first time, or are a regular visitor, we welcome you to our city and look forward to showing you a part of “our” city.
Discover our cities behind the scenes; hear what it’s like to live here; catch up on the latest city gossip and get to know the place in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Come as a guest – leave as a friend!

Greeter idea - meeting locals for free

Request a Greet now

International Greeter Association

A network of Greeter organizations started in 2005 when some American and Canadian destinations gathered for a round table they called “Global Greeter Network”. Three years later a website was set up and the Greeter idea spread around the world. In 2019 it was decided by the members of the network to create a legal entity renamed International Greeter Association.  An updated logo and website followed.

In general meetings the members of the International Greeter Association  (IGA) discuss and decide about their common projects. Here you can download a translation of the French statutes.

The IGA board, elected for the 2024-25 term, consists of these members:

Dino Ferrari

Dino Ferrari

Fred Schübbe

Fred Schübbe

Christian Ragil

Christian Ragil

François Desgroseilliers

François Desgroseilliers

Gerd Cornelissen

Gerd Cornelissen

Joaquin Brenman

Joaquin Brenman

Katie Law

Katie Law

Sanae Kawamoto

Sanae Kawamoto

New destinations are welcomed. Just read detailed information here and use our new destination form.

Please use the contact form to send us your comments and questions.