GREETERS! they welcome you to their city!



Big Apple Greeters

It all started in New York, the local inhabitants were tired of all the prejudice people had when coming to their city so they had a great idea : why don't we greet the tourists? So thats how it started, the tourist could finally experience New York how it is supposed to be : see it through the eyes of a real New Yorker! Eat at the best restaurants or go out to the best cafes, see a neighbourhood you might have missed out on otherwise! You can still see all the tourist attractions of course but how about seeing the skyline from a spot only locals know about! That is the way to travel! And this service is free. Volunteers will show you around, all they hope for is a little donation to keep this service going.

The service in New York, started in 1992 and was the first one of its kind in the US. Now they have more than 300 volunteers and approximately 7000 visitors use their services!

Since it worked so well in New York, it has crossed the ocean and arrived here in Belgium. Brussels has its own Greeters network created in 2010. Here too it is local volunteers wanting to share their city with the tourists. This service is also free to all the visitors.

Brussels Greeters



With this program you get a direct encounter with the locals and therefore they hope to promote a respect for the environment, the culture and traditions of the city. It also gives the locals and the tourist the chance to experience an intercultural exchange. And maybe even make contacts for their own travels!

I think it is a great way for the locals to get involved in their city. It is even more interesting if you have a passion for travel and your own city. And I think it is a great way to meet new people from around the world! And wouldnt it be great if they did the same for you when you go to their country!!