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Rugby star Michael Hooper plays chauffeur for a lucky superfan
Rugby star Michael Hooper plays chauffeur for a lucky superfan

The Advertiser

time6 hours ago

  • Sport
  • The Advertiser

Rugby star Michael Hooper plays chauffeur for a lucky superfan

These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at

Is Bali past its prime? This Asian region is on track to steal its thunder
Is Bali past its prime? This Asian region is on track to steal its thunder

Canberra Times

time8 hours ago

  • Canberra Times

Is Bali past its prime? This Asian region is on track to steal its thunder

Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!. My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.

AECOM enters strategic partnership with SILZ Company to support Saudi integrated logistics growth
AECOM enters strategic partnership with SILZ Company to support Saudi integrated logistics growth

Business Wire

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Business Wire

AECOM enters strategic partnership with SILZ Company to support Saudi integrated logistics growth

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AECOM (NYSE: ACM), the trusted global infrastructure leader, today announced a strategic partnership with Special Integrated Logistics Zones Company (SILZ), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's premier developer and operator of integrated logistics zones. This partnership is designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global integrated logistics leader, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification, sustainable development, and enhanced global trade integration. As part of the agreement, AECOM is delivering project management consultancy and strategic advisory services for Riyadh Integrated, SILZ's flagship integrated logistics zone, located only eight kilometers from King Khalid International Cargo Village, with direct access to key transport corridors. Purpose-built to serve high-growth sectors such as information and communications technology, pharmaceuticals and aerospace, the zone offers a fully integrated logistics ecosystem, including pre-built warehouses, build-to-suit units, land plots, offices, and showrooms. 'This collaboration marks the foundation of a long-term relationship built on shared ambition and innovation,' said Hamed Zaghw, chief executive of AECOM's Middle East and Africa region. 'As SILZ Company transforms the integrated logistics landscape in Saudi Arabia, we're proud to serve as their trusted advisor, guiding vision into action and advancing a bold infrastructure strategy that supports economic vitality and international investment.' "This strategic partnership with AECOM marks a pivotal moment for SILZ Company and for Saudi Arabia's ambitious journey to become a global integrated logistics powerhouse,' said Dr. Fadi Al-Buhairan, chief executive officer, SILZ Company. 'This collaboration with AECOM, a trusted global leader in infrastructure, is instrumental in translating that bold vision into tangible action. Their expertise in project management and strategic advisory will accelerate the development of Riyadh Integrated, ensuring we deliver world-class infrastructure and services tailored for high-growth sectors.' 'We're proud to bring together our deep regional insight and global expertise to help shape the future of integrated logistics in Saudi Arabia,' said Jason Kroll, chief executive, AECOM Arabia. 'This partnership reflects the ongoing demand for our industry-leading advisory services and underscores the value we deliver as the world's top transportation design firm.' About AECOM AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at About Special Integrated Logistics Zone Company (SILZ) The Special Integrated Logistics Zone Company (SILZ) is the developer and operator of integrated logistics zones in Saudi Arabia. Using advanced technology, industry expertise, and smart infrastructure, SILZ Company sets new efficiency and value-chain integration standards. The company aims to become the global benchmark for logistics zones by enabling sustainable, future-ready supply chains, supporting companies investing in the region, and contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification and Saudi Vision 2030. About Riyadh Integrated - The Special Integrated Logistics Zone Riyadh Integrated, the Kingdom's first integrated logistics zone, is located just eight kilometers from King Khalid International Cargo Village. With a focus on light manufacturing, logistics, and trade, it offers a full-service ecosystem including a one-stop shop, value-added services, and competitive incentives, including 50-year tax relief and 100% foreign ownership. It is built for global industries, such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and more. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this communication other than statements of historical fact are 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, profitability, strategic value creation, capital allocation strategy including stock repurchases, risk profile and investment strategies, and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and the expected financial and operational results of AECOM. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: our business is cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns and client spending reductions; potential government shutdowns, changes in administration or other funding directives and circumstances that may cause governmental agencies to modify, curtail or terminate our contracts; losses under fixed-price contracts; limited control over operations that run through our joint venture entities; liability for misconduct by our employees or consultants; changes in government laws, regulations and policies, including failure to comply with laws or regulations applicable to our business; maintaining adequate surety and financial capacity; potential high leverage and inability to service our debt and guarantees; ability to continue payment of dividends; exposure to political and economic risks in different countries, including tariffs and trade policies, geopolitical events, and conflicts; inflation, currency exchange rates and interest rate fluctuations; changes in capital markets and stock market volatility; retaining and recruiting key technical and management personnel; legal claims and litigation; inadequate insurance coverage; environmental law compliance and adequate nuclear indemnification; unexpected adjustments and cancellations related to our backlog; partners and third parties who may fail to satisfy their legal obligations; managing pension costs; AECOM Capital real estate development projects; cybersecurity issues, IT outages and data privacy; risks associated with the benefits and costs of the sale of our Management Services and self-perform at-risk civil infrastructure, power construction and oil and gas businesses, including the risk that any purchase adjustments from those transactions could be unfavorable and result in any future proceeds owed to us as part of the transactions could be lower than we expect; as well as other additional risks and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements set forth in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.

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