Our Mission

Big Apple Greeter’s mission is to enhance New York City’s worldwide image and enrich the New York experience by connecting visitors with knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. The mission was created to accomplish the following goals:

  • Promote a friendly, inviting, manageable image of New York City.

  • Bolster tourism and foster economic development.

  • Create opportunities for New Yorkers to show pride in their city and give back to their city through volunteering.

Our Passion

Big Apple Greeter builds bridges between people and cultures, and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Greeters welcome visitors from all over the world, and visitors go home with a better appreciation of the diversity of New Yorkers and all Americans.

International Greeter Association

IGA_Logo_NoBkgd.png

Come as a guest – leave as a friend!

The Greeter concept started in 1992 when Lynn Brooks founded Big Apple Greeter in New York City. More Greeter programs started in Australia, Argentina, Canada, and more cities in the United States, and, in 2005, some of these programs met in New York City to form an informal roundtable they called “Global Greeter Network.” The concept spread around the world.

In 2019, the network members decided to create a legal entity, renamed International Greeter Association. Today, with over 120 member programs in countries from Argentina to Vietnam, all IGA members proudly share the same Core Values:

  • Greeters are volunteers, a friendly face for those visiting a city/destination.

  • Greeters welcome individuals and may serve small groups of up to six people.

  • Meeting a Greeter is free of charge.

  • All visitors and volunteers are welcome without any kind of discrimination.

  • Greeters support sustainable tourism. They respect natural and man-made environments, bringing both cultural and economic enrichment to local communities. Greeters aim for a lasting positive image of each destination.

  • Greeter organizations create a mutually enriching opportunity for cultural exchange; create links between people in creating a better world.

 Greeter Organizations in Other US Cities

sawyer-bengtson-tnv84LOjes4-unsplash.jpg

Chicago

Let a friendly, knowledgeable local give you an insider's orientation to Chicago. Greeter visits are customized based on your choice of neighborhoods, language and interests.

Photo Credit: Sawyer Bengston

peter-pryharski-X0-uKrHO1no-unsplash.jpg

Denver

Denver Greeter is a FREE service to visitors seeking a local connection and perspective. Greeters are limited, so we ask that you submit your application at least four weeks prior to your anticipated visit.

Photo Credit Peter Pryharski

kevin-hernandez-EIiakCJYngk-unsplash.jpg

Houston

Houston Greeters offers you a unique insight into Houston through the eyes and hearts of our residents. Local volunteers act as hosts for two-to-four hour visits to the destination or for the activity of your choice.

Photo Credit: Kevin Hernandez

Nashville

Come experience Nashville, a city where music is inspired, created, recorded, and performed. Nashville is home to award-winning chefs and restaurants, historical attractions, unique and diverse neighborhoods, and so much more.

Photo Credit: Matt Reiter