{"id":92739,"date":"2026-01-26T17:58:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T16:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalgreeter.org\/sustainable-tourism"},"modified":"2026-03-04T19:56:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T18:56:06","slug":"sustainable-tourism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/internationalgreeter.org\/it\/sustainable-tourism","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Tourism"},"content":{"rendered":"

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custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”none” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

People-to-People Encounters for Sustainable Tourism<\/h1>\n

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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<\/a> (UN SDGs) and supports cities on their path towards responsible tourism.<\/p>\n

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What makes Greeter tourism sustainable?<\/h2>\n

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

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Low-impact, low-carbon<\/strong>: City walks on foot and by public transport, no additional vehicles or infrastructure. The organization operates fully digital \u2013 from registration and communication to feedback \u2013 and avoid printed brochures or giveaways wherever possible.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Non-profit and volunteer-based<\/strong>: Greeters are volunteers and do not receive tips or commissions; participation is free of charge for visitors.<\/p>\n

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Small groups<\/strong>: Greets take place with individuals, couples or small groups up to 6 people, which protects local life and improves quality of encounter.<\/p>\n

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Respect for local communities<\/strong>: Routes and behaviour are adapted to residents\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Support for local economies<\/strong>: Greeters recommend local caf\u00e9s, markets, cultural venues and neighbourhood initiatives \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Intercultural exchange<\/strong>: Personal conversations promote understanding, tolerance and appreciation of diversity.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” max_width=”none”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/internationalgreeter.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/E_SDG_logo_horizontal_WEB.png” alt=”Sustainability Goals” title_text=”E_SDG_logo_horizontal_WEB” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Our Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals<\/h2>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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Working with IGA on Sustainable Tourism<\/h2>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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