This summer, InterContinental Jerusalem will open its doors, marking the city’s first new luxury hotel in over a decade and introducing a new benchmark for contemporary hospitality in one of the world’s most historic destinations.
Developed under IHG Hotels & Resorts’ iconic InterContinental brand, the hotel blends global sophistication with locally inspired design, thoughtful cultural programming, and elevated service rooted in the spirit of Jerusalem. Further underscoring its international appeal, InterContinental Jerusalem has been accepted into Virtuoso, the leading global network of luxury travel advisors.
Leading the property’s debut are General Manager Eyal Goldberger and Director of Sales & Marketing Galit Heller Halfon, who are recognized for their extensive international experience across luxury hospitality, commercial strategy, and destination-driven guest experiences.
An Israeli-American citizen and creative, forward-thinker with 25 years in the global hospitality industry, Goldberger has an unparalleled reputation for his unique blend of pre-opening expertise, strong commercial and operational instincts, and people-first leadership style. When Goldberger was 12, his family immigrated to Miami, where he later began his career with leading global brands including Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Most notably, he spearheaded the opening of Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale at the height of the pandemic, successfully navigating unprecedented market uncertainty while building high-performing teams, setting a strong service culture, and driving results amid rapidly evolving conditions.
Following this milestone, Goldberger returned to Israel to continue his work in luxury hospitality leadership and development, deepening his expertise in destination-driven operations. As General Manager of the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem, part of The Set Collection, he served as a trusted bridge between the local community and the property’s global clientele, thoughtfully blending international service standards with a warm, personal approach. Bringing Miami’s vibrant energy to Jerusalem, Goldberger has welcomed distinguished dignitaries and high-profile guests while championing experiences that feel both elevated and authentically connected to the destination. With a proven ability to guide teams through high-pressure, high-complexity circumstances while maintaining brand integrity and guest focus, Goldberger is exceptionally positioned to bring InterContinental’s global standard, and a new era of luxury hospitality, to Jerusalem.
“There is no place with a cultural tapestry like Jerusalem” said Goldberger. “This is a city defined by timelessness, depth, and an extraordinary history of endurance, and our goal is to honor that legacy while introducing a contemporary expression of luxury and a refined approach to five star service. We have created a sanctuary in the heart of the city—a place where guests can experience calm, perspective, and connection, while also engaging with Jerusalem as a true cultural capital and gathering place for innovators, thinkers, and travelers from around the world.”
Director of Sales & Marketing and Israel native Galit Heller-Halfon brings more than 30 years of destination experience, sales, marketing and commercial leadership in luxury hospitality to InterContinental Jerusalem. With a strategic and relationship-driven approach, Heller-Halfon has built a distinguished career advancing global and destination-focused properties across Israel and beyond.
Prior to her current role, Galit held senior commercial leadership positions including Vice President of Marketing and Sales and was instrumental in establishing The Jaffa Hotel in Tel Aviv-Jaffa under the Marriott International umbrella. She also led sales and marketing at Jerusalem’s Mamilla Hotel, part of The Set Collection from pre-opening, for nearly a decade, where she cultivated strong industry partnerships and helped elevate the property’s profile among international and domestic luxury travelers. Known for her deep understanding of the global travel landscape and luxury hospitality, and her ability to connect people, experiences and strategic vision, she brings to InterContinental Jerusalem a commitment to commercial excellence, meaningful industry relationships, and a nuanced appreciation for destination-driven hospitality at the highest level. Throughout her career, she has successfully built strategic partnerships with top-tier global luxury travel networks and key industry leaders.
“With IHG’s global recognition and the support of advisor-led travel through Virtuoso, we’re proud to establish a new cultural address in Jerusalem that feels both globally sophisticated and authentically rooted,” says Heller-Halfon. “From our culinary vision to our design, every element of the hotel is intentionally crafted to reflect Jerusalem’s timeless legacy through a refined, contemporary expression of luxury. At InterContinental Jerusalem, we connect our guests seamlessly with the city and its rich cultural and culinary landscape.”
