Bahai Gardens, with the city of Haifa
in the background.
I think it’s really important to come and experience Israel and Haifa for yourself. It’s such a beautiful city located between the coastline, the sea, the Mediterranean and Mount Carmel. It’s something like San Francisco. Also, Haifa has a special atmosphere that has something for everyone. If you want to be outside, we have the beach. If you’re interested in cultural tourism, there are many museums. And, of course, we have good food and wine, made outside the city, much like the Tuscany region.
Is there a specific aspect of the city that you’re promoting for travel agents?
It’s unique that you can come to one place, not needing to check in and out, and be able to stay five days and take tours each day to a different destination. In the evening, you can enjoy the city’s restaurants, coffee and shopping. Most of the people know English and are very welcoming and kind. It’s very quiet and peaceful. We also have the extremely beautiful Bahai Gardens, which we have put a lot of funding into maintaining.
What would you suggest visitors do in Haifa outside of the tourist attractions?
I would suggest that a person just visit and feel the city. It’s an experience in itself just to see the view and to get to know the people. When you’re looking out your hotel window and seeing the mountains and bay, or the illuminated gardens, you feel like you are in a different world entirely.
What kind of cuisine would you recommend that visitors experience?
Haifa is a city of mixed cuisine. You can have Russian food or Chinese or French food all in the same city. I would highly recommend our wine and the seafood found on the beach. Also, there are other cities within an hour’s drive of Haifa, and clients can find something special in each one.
What hotel options are there in Haifa?
There is an enormous variety. We have five-star hotels, we have beach hotels, we have hotels in the mountains. Most of the hotels are independent from chains, and the service and food is very sophisticated.
Is it easy for visitors to get around?
It is very easy. There are buses and trains and, in fact, we are now running special tours around the city, which we are sponsoring. The tours run everyday to a variety of destinations. The tour is held whether there are two people or 20 and it’s a great way to get familiar with the city.
