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Superfan Experience with British & Irish Lions Star Players

Superfan Experience with British & Irish Lions Star Players

James Miller, LocalsRide.com
tarafından 
James Miller, LocalsRide.com
3 dakika okuma
Haberler
Temmuz 16, 2025

Unveiling a Unique Welcome in Australia

With the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour in full swing, an astonishing superfan welcome experience unfolded at IHG Hotels & Resorts. This initiative saw rugby stars bring unmatched excitement to dedicated fans arriving in Australia. The combination of fanfare and hospitality is poised to change how transfers and experiences are delivered in the travel industry.

The Arrival Surprise

Among the many eager fans was Lawrence Hanlen, a lifelong rugby enthusiast who traveled all the way from Gibraltar. Expecting an ordinary airport transfer to the InterContinental Sydney, he experienced anything but! Instead, he was greeted by none other than Wallabies legend and former captain, Michael Hooper, who doubled as his chauffeur.

During this private transfer, the ride morphed into a delightful tour itself, as Hooper shared memorable locker room anecdotes and personal rugby tales interspersed with tips about Sydney, creating an unforgettable journey right from the airport.

A Warm Welcome at InterContinental Sydney

Upon arrival, the surprises continued. Andrew Porter, a current British & Irish Lions player, helped with Hanlen’s luggage, showcasing a friendly touch that elevated the experience. Meanwhile, Tommy Freeman stood behind the reception desk, ensuring every detail of Hanlen’s stay was personalized, transforming check-in into a warm welcome that was truly exceptional.

As the cherry on top, Hanlen received a special surprise from Finn Russell: a tour ball, a custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper himself. What a way to kick off a dream trip!

A Dream Come True for a Superfan

Reflecting on his remarkable experience, Hanlen shared, “This was a dream come true. Having followed rugby for over 45 years, nothing prepared me for such a greeting by sports legends. The memory of this unique welcome will last a lifetime.”

Creating Memorable Experiences

This one-of-a-kind welcome is just a glimpse of how IHG Hotels & Resorts is innovating fan engagement during the tour. Throughout the event, they have introduced exclusive perks for IHG One Rewards members globally, including premium tickets offering behind-the-scenes experiences, signed memorabilia, and more.

To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed millions of points for memorable experiences, such as accessing the sold-out Platinum tickets for the Sydney Test match.

Fan Engagement Beyond the Hotel

The drive to put fans at the heart of the action doesn’t end with the private transfers. Additional engaging experiences await fans throughout the Tour, including pop-up experiences in the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at various stadiums, offering merchandise, buggy transfers to events, and IHG’s signature hospitality services.

As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG strives to celebrate this sporting event in unique ways, creating thrills that go beyond the norm for fans, guests, and loyalty members.

Sonuç

The superfan experiences crafted by IHG Hotels & Resorts stand as a testament to the power of personalized travel. They showcase how thoughtful engagement can enhance journeys and create lasting memories. For those looking to share in unique experiences while traveling, utilizing platforms like LocalsRide allows users the freedom to select specific vehicles, viewing comprehensive details such as make, model, and ratings beforehand. This level of transparency surpasses traditional booking methods and ensures a bespoke travel experience.

In a world where the best reviews can often fall short of personal experiences, consider booking your next superfan transfer with verified providers at reasonable prices through LocalsRide. Known for their affordability, diverse vehicle options, and convenient service, this platform enhances every journey. So why wait? Yolculuğunuzu ayırtın Bugün!