American Airlines and United Airlines, along with Chicago residents from throughout the city, will show visitors their favorite things about Chicago in a new Chicago Office of Tourism program, Chicago Greeter. Through this new volunteer-based service, visitors will meet a greeter who will take them around the city, demonstrate its “walkability” and the user-friendliness of its public transportation system, and provide them an experience of Chicago from a local’s perspective.
American Airlines and United Airlines are collaborating with the Office of Tourism on Chicago Greeter by providing marketing support and volunteer greeters from their staffs.
“Chicagoans are known for their pride in their city and friendliness to visitors,” remarked Mayor Richard M. Daley. “I am pleased that American Airlines and United Airlines are joining us to provide this special service to Chicago visitors.”
“United employees are very proud that Chicago is our hometown. We look forward to the opportunity to show it off to visitors from across the U.S. and around the world,” noted Donna Sitkiewicz, director of corporate communications, United Airlines. Thomas Aichele, managing director of Passenger Sales Chicago, American Airlines, added, “Now more than ever it is important to showcase Chicago and the fine employees of American Airlines are the perfect greeters to host visitors to this world-class city.”
Similar to New York’s Big Apple Greeter and Australia’s Must See Melbourne visitor services, Chicago Greeter is designed to match a friendly, enthusiastic, and city-wise local with an interested visitor for a two to four hour informal, insider orientation to Chicago’s sights. The service will permit Chicagoans to share their love and knowledge of the city, to set a positive tone for visitors’ experience, and to take an active role in Chicago’s tourism industry.
Chicago Greeter will be previewed to visitors and Chicagoans entertaining visiting friends and relatives Friday through Sunday, Nov. 16-18, beginning at 1 p.m. each day. Reservations can be made by calling (312) 744-2395 during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chicago Greeter visits will originate at the Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center, 77 E. Randolph St. The Chicago Greeter program will formally launch in spring.
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