The Global Greeter Network

The Global Greeter Network is an informal virtual association of Greeter programs around the world. Greeters are volunteers who share their love for their city in an enthusiastic and hospitable manner. A Greeter will take you for a walk through the city for a couple of hours and you will experience his/her city in a unique way, from the perspective of a person who lives there.

The Global Greeter network includes Houston, New York, Chicago, United States; Toronto, Canada; Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Brussels, Belgium; Berlin, Rhein-Ahr, Germany; Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Brest, Pas-de-Calais, Seine-et-Marne, Tarn, Versailles, and Nantes, France; Brighton, London, Winchester and Kent, England; Xiamen, China; and The Hague, The Netherlands.

History of the Greeter concept

Founded in 1992 as the first "welcome visitor" program of its kind, Big Apple Greeter in New York City grew from friendly exchanges founder Lynn Brooks had with people she met. Lynn wanted the world to know New York City as she did: a great big small town with diverse neighbourhoods, mom-and-pop stores, fun places to dine, and friendly residents who go out of their way to help an out-of-towner feel welcome.

The concept was a big success and has spread all over the world. As the number of programs grew, Global Greeter Network was formed as a voluntary association of independent welcoming programs. All the programs are free, offer greeter services as an individual or small group experience, and are characterized by enthusiastic, local residents who love their home city and volunteer to conduct these visits.