IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), a global leader in hospitality, has been announced as the Official Hotel Partner for the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour in Australia, one of the most eagerly awaited sporting events of 2025.
This significant collaboration highlights IHG’s two-decade partnership with Rugby Australia and showcases its commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences and exclusive opportunities to its 145+ million IHG One Rewards members.
Returning to Australia after 12 years, The British & Irish Lions will compete in six Tour matches, including three Test matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, during June and August 2025.
An All-in-One Partnership
As the Official Hotel Partner, IHG will play a central role throughout the Tour. Fans and players can expect activations in the Lions Den and Wallabies fan zones in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, as well as IHG branding on the Wallabies match shorts.
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared: “The Lions Tour is legendary for uniting nations and creating iconic sporting moments. We are honoured to be chosen as the Official Hotel Partner, offering teams and fans a welcoming base and providing our IHG One Rewards members with exclusive opportunities.”
A Comfortable Retreat for Teams and Fans
Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, emphasised the significance of the partnership: “The demands of a Lions Tour are immense, and IHG’s hotels will be our home away from home, providing much-needed comfort. With record-breaking numbers of Lions fans travelling in 2025, they too will find a warm welcome across IHG’s portfolio.”
Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, added: “We are thrilled to extend Rugby Australia’s partnership with IHG during this historic Tour. IHG hotels are the perfect base for our teams, allowing them to focus on their preparations and performance.”
Exclusive Perks for IHG One Rewards Members
IHG One Rewards members will be at the heart of the action with access to unique benefits, such as once-in-a-lifetime experiences, social media giveaways, on-property activations, and exclusive packages available via the IHG One Rewards Access platform.
Supporting Elite Sport and Sustainability
IHG has a proven track record of supporting elite sports, including its role as the Official Sponsor of the Wallabies and the first Official Hotel Partner of Six Nations Rugby. IHG’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the Lions Tour’s partners, including the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the chosen Global Charity Partner of the Tour.
Welcoming Rugby Fans Worldwide
With more than 50 hotels in Australia and over 6,500 globally, IHG is ready to welcome rugby fans from across the globe to its wide range of brands, including InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, voco, and Holiday Inn. The Tour is expected to attract over 40,000 international visitors and countless domestic fans, promising a festival of rugby that unites communities and transcends borders.
IHG’s involvement in the Lions Tour promises to deliver exceptional hospitality, unforgettable experiences, and unparalleled access for rugby enthusiasts, making this event truly one for the history books.
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