International Sales Executive

ATM 2026 set to strengthen partnerships, reinforce confidence, shape future of global travel. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 10th Sep, 2026) RX Global, organisers of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), today hosted the official press conference for ATM 2026 alongside the event's strategic partners and key partners, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Al Rais Travel. Hosted at Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, the press conference provided an overview of the 33rd edition of ATM 2026, which will take place from 14th to 17th September at Dubai World Trade Centre. ATM 2026 will bring the travel and tourism community together in Dubai following a period of disruption across the industry, providing a platform for destinations, businesses and industry stakeholders to reconnect, strengthen commercial relationships and discuss the priorities shaping the sector's next phase. Preparations for this year's edition have been shaped by ongoing engagement with exhibitors, buyers, partners and stakeholders. This collaborative approach has enabled ATM to respond to evolving industry needs and support customers as plans have changed, while ensuring the event continues to deliver opportunities for business, networking and knowledge exchange. The exhibition will welcome destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, travel technology companies, tourism suppliers and industry professionals from around the world. Beyond bringing together individual markets, ATM will highlight the strength of an interconnected global industry in sustaining relationships, sharing knowledge and enabling continued business activity through periods of change. This year's event will place a strong focus on confidence, resilience and collaboration, reflecting the priorities of the travel and tourism industry as it looks towards future growth. Against this backdrop, ATM 2026 will be held under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology, examining how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations are influencing the future of tourism. New features include the launch of ATM Travel Tech as a dedicated co-located exhibition, with Sabre joining as an official strategic partner, alongside the Tech & Innovation Hub, which will showcase the latest developments in artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, robotics, fintech and smart mobility. The ATM 2026 conference programme, including the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub, will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and experts to address the trends, challenges and opportunities influencing travel and tourism. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director - UAE, RX Global, said, "The past few months have required its industry to adapt, and Urdupoint is extremely grateful for the trust, understanding and flexibility its customers and partners have shown throughout this period. In turn, Urdupoint has listened closely to their needs, adapted where necessary and worked alongside them to provide the support and flexibility needed to navigate changing circumstances. "ATM has always been about bringing the global travel community together, and this year that role feels particularly important. As we reconnect in Dubai, our focus is on strengthening partnerships and addressing the immediate priorities facing the industry, while also looking ahead to the innovation and opportunities that will shape the future of travel." Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said, "Hosting Arabian Travel Market at this important moment for the global travel industry reflects Dubai's role as a trusted meeting point for the world, where government and private sector partners work in close alignment to sustain confidence, enable business and shape new opportunities for growth. It is also a testament to visionary leadership that has, over decades, built a destination which is agile and confident through every cycle. "As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai's economy and further consolidate the city's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure, platforms such as ATM are vital to strengthening international partnerships and accelerating innovation across the visitor economy. We are proud to once again welcome the global travel community to Dubai, and we look forward to working together with our partners and stakeholders to define a more connected and future-ready industry." Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, said, "Arabian Travel Market has long been a key industry fixture in its Calendar and is an important platform for Emirates to deepen relationships with partners, create new business opportunities, and give visitors a first-hand experience of its latest products. This year, Urdupoint is furthering joint tourism initiatives and tie-ups with organisations serving specialised traveller segments, along with steadily strengthening its long-standing partnerships. Growing a destination or tapping into new customer segments is not a solo effort and Urdupoint look forward to a productive ATM, and to what these partnerships will deliver for the wider industry." Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, "The Middle East continues to demonstrate strong long-term fundamentals for travel and hospitality, supported by sustained investment in tourism, infrastructure, destination development and international connectivity. As hotel supply grows, the next phase will be about converting that investment into sustainable, long-term demand - using technology and data to understand travellers better, remove friction from the guest journey and deliver more relevant experiences. ATM's focus on innovation and technology is therefore timely, bringing the industry together to strengthen partnerships and explore how these capabilities can support responsible growth through 2040 and beyond." Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director, Al Rais Travel, said, "This year's theme, 'Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,' reflects the direction in which our industry is moving. Since 1977, Al Rais Travel has grown alongside Dubai, building a legacy based on trust, strong partnerships and personal service. At ATM 2026, we are proud to begin our next chapter with the launch of the new AlRaisTravel.com platform, featuring Voice AI and Chat AI to make travel planning faster, easier and more personal. We are also strengthening our presence in medical tourism by connecting travellers with trusted healthcare providers worldwide. As a strategic partner of ATM, we remain committed to combining nearly five decades of experience with technology to help shape the future of travel from Dubai." Ramzi Al-Qassab, Managing Director for the META, EE, CIS, PK, Sabre, ATM Travel Tech Strategic Partner, said, "A lot has changed since we last gathered in Dubai, and our industry is having to navigate current economic and geopolitical uncertainty alongside real technological opportunity. That's the fog our customers are flying through right now, and Arabian Travel Market is where we come together to help chart a way through it. Sabre's role is to give airlines, agencies and hoteliers the intelligence and technology to navigate the now with confidence while building for what's next. As we look to the future, that's exactly the balance we're helping the industry strike." Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director - Travel Sector, RX Global, concluded: "At RX, our focus is on ensuring our events continue to evolve in line with the industries and communities they serve. For ATM, that means responding to change across the travel sector while continuing to deliver value for our customers. The theme of ATM 2026 reflects that approach, looking beyond the priorities of today to the innovation and opportunities that will influence the industry in the years ahead." The ATM 2026 conference programme will feature policymakers, tourism leaders, researchers and technology specialists examining the issues influencing the travel sector. Sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub will cover topics including artificial intelligence, destination resilience, hospitality, aviation, business events, luxury travel, accessibility, sustainability and investment. They will be supported by research from ATM's official knowledge partners, including Tourism Economics, Euromonitor International and Dragon Trail International.

Yunnan flower exports maintain strong growth ahead of IFEX Kunming 2026. Yunnan flower exports surged 60.5% in 2025 as IFEX Kunming 2026 gears up for global buyers. Yunnan, China, August 21, 2026 -( PR.com )- China's leading floriculture province recorded 60.5% export growth in 2025 as international buyers prepare to gather at RX's IFEX Kunming International Flowers & Plants Expo this September. Yunnan, China's leading producer and exporter of fresh-cut flowers, reached another export milestone in 2025, with exports totaling RMB 1.22 billion (USD 170 million), up 60.5% year on year and ranking No. 1 nationwide for the seventh consecutive year. Nationwide, China's flower exports totaled USD 579 million in 2025, with fresh-cut flowers accounting for USD 228 million, up 44.3% year on year. Yunnan-grown blooms are now exported to 64 countries and regions across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, including Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The strong export performance highlights the growing international importance of Yunnan's floriculture sector and provides the backdrop for IFEX Kunming International Flowers & Plants Expo 2026, organized by RX, which will bring together growers, breeders, suppliers and buyers from around the world to explore new sourcing and partnership opportunities. The export growth reflects Yunnan's unique natural and industrial advantages: 130,000 hectares of flower cultivation, a multi-billion-yuan floriculture industry, and production of roughly seven out of every 10 fresh-cut flowers sold in China. Dedicated green channels at Kunming Changshui International Airport, combined with 24/7 customs clearance, move freshly harvested flowers from farm to freight aircraft in less than 20 hours - well within the industry's critical 36-hour freshness window for international shipments. As global demand grows, RX's IFEX Kunming International Flowers & Plants Expo 2026 will bring growers, breeders and buyers together to explore new varieties, technology and cross-border partnerships, further supporting international trade across the floriculture supply chain. Building on the success of the 2025 edition, the exhibition will take place September 18-20 across 80,000 square meters, featuring four sectors - flowers, coffee, tropical plants and berries - and more than 600 exhibitors with an estimated 45,000 trade buyers. This year's show features the Netherlands and Colombia as Official Countries of Honor, alongside national pavilions hosted by Thailand, Malaysia and other key flower-producing economies. Leading international exhibitors include Legro, Van Egmond, Prime Flowers, Vince Mark, Schreurs, Deliflor, Pindstrup, Rijkland, De Ruiter, Van den Berg, Hasfarm, Florensis, Chrysal, BVB, Armada, Red Peony, Ridder, Van Iperen, NaanDanJain, Hortimed, Holex, Floricultura, Priva, Hoogendoorn, Anthura, Jiff and more. Two dedicated programs support cross-border buyers: Yunnan Flowers Export Zone: Direct sourcing with Yunnan's leading flower growers. Yunnan Flowers Going Global International Forum: Expert presentations on export policy, customs compliance, taxation, market trends and logistics. The exhibition gives buyers direct access to China's leading flower growers, international breeding companies and suppliers of tropical plants, berries and specialty coffee, helping them diversify sourcing and establish new supplier relationships in a single visit. Organized by RX, IFEX Kunming 2026 provides an international platform for sourcing, technology exchange and long-term business partnerships across the global floriculture industry. The event reflects RX's ongoing commitment to connecting global industry stakeholders and supporting trade growth across the floriculture sector. Pre-registration is now open for global buyers, media and trade professionals. Plan Your Visit Dates: September 18-20, 2026 Venue: Hall 4-10, Kunming Dianchi International Convention & Exhibition Center, China Website: https://www.ifexflowerexpo.com/en-gb.html Online Registration: https://reed.infosalons.com.cn/reg/IFEX26/registeren/login?type=188IVH More Information: [email protected], +86-10-5933 9349 RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities and organizations. Through a portfolio of international events, RX helps customers understand markets, source products and complete transactions across multiple industries and regions worldwide. RX Greater China Elaine Huang +86 186 0116 5038

RX, Freeman and Emerald Carpets make history at Vision Expo 2026. ANDREW WARRICK, SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR * August 18, 2026 ORLANDO - At Vision Expo 2026, which took place March 11-14 at the Orange County Convention Center, RX introduced Green Step Aisle Carpet, also known as Genesis, the first fully reusable and recyclable exhibition carpet used at a major U.S. trade show. This milestone was accomplished through an intensive collaboration with Freeman and Emerald Carpets. Trade Show Executive (TSE) examined this sustainability victory from start to finish. Inspiration RX tracks their waste by show and is always looking for opportunities to divert and reduce. "When in use, carpet is a leading driver of measurable waste numbers across our US portfolio," Mike Grant, Senior Vice President of Operations at RX, explained. "The cleanest alternative has certainly been to reduce or eliminate carpet but that is not always a realistic option. While there are numerous reasons for the continued use of carpet (from comfort to aesthetic to sound suppression), RX is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and understands the impact carpet represents. We'd heard whispers over the last year or two about recyclable carpet options from our partners at Freeman and Emerald Carpets and were keenly interested in these opportunities." In 2025, Freeman and Emerald Carpets asked if RX was willing to test Genesis, a new, exciting and sustainable carpet product. "We have the appetite to experiment at our events," Helen Sheppard, RX's Global Sustainability Director, explained. "The Net Zero Carbon Events commitments are really important to us, and we want to champion that industry-wide commitment and encourage more suppliers, organizers and venues to be part of it. Freeman are also signatories, so when this opportunity arose, it felt like, 'Well, why wouldn't we try this?'" Emerald Carpets developed Genesis to address one of the biggest sustainability challenges in the events industry: creating a high-performance aisle carpet that supports a circular lifecycle from production through end-of-life. Genesis can be cleaned, reused and ultimately turned into plastic pellets to create new carpet products. "Traditionally, aisle carpets contain multiple materials, including fillers and latex backings, which create challenges for end-of-life recycling and limit opportunities for true circularity," Will Estes, Sustainability Manager at Emerald Carpets, said. "Genesis is different because it is made from a single polymer system utilizing Emerald Carpets' proprietary ExpoMax(TM) backing technology. While the product is fully recyclable at end-of-life, it is first designed to maximize reuse, with Genesis typically achieving four to five uses before entering the recycling stream." Successful Implementation RX first piloted this carpet at ISC West 2025, which took place March 31-April 4, 2025, at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. "ISC East and West have been flying the flag for sustainability through some other initiatives that they're working on, like zero waste initiatives, and that felt like a good place to pilot it," Sheppard said. RX placed this carpet in front of the show's entrance and in some key aisles, providing an important opportunity to evaluate Genesis in the field. "ISC West served as an important pilot for the program, allowing us to test installation, removal, material recovery and operational logistics in a live event environment," Elizabeth Fretheim, Vice President of Sustainability at Freeman, said. "Each partner played a critical role. Emerald led product development, Freeman managed installation, removal [and] material recovery, and provided real-world performance feedback, while RX enabled testing at scale in an active event environment. The product was validated under actual show conditions, including forklift traffic, high attendee volumes and compressed move-in and move-out schedules." The organizations also saw meaningful operational benefits: The lighter-weight material helped reduce handling strain during installation and dismantle, which is an important consideration due to the physical demands and fast timelines of event production. "Perhaps most importantly, the project showed that environmental improvements do not have to come at the expense of performance, safety or the attendee experience," Fretheim added. Victory at Vision Expo The trial's success inspired RX to use the carpet in the aisles of Vision Expo 2026. This went well and proved to the industry that circular flooring solutions can work within the realities of large-scale events. "This is exciting because it represents a meaningful step forward for sustainability in the events industry," Estes said. "Event flooring has historically been viewed as a largely disposable product category, and Genesis challenges that assumption. By creating a fully recyclable aisle carpet that is lighter, easier to transport and designed for circularity, we are helping event organizers, venues and exhibitors reduce waste while improving operational efficiency. It demonstrates that innovative product design can create practical solutions that benefit both the industry and the environment." An Impactful Partnership and a Bright Future Fretheim explained that this success proves the importance of partnership and patience. "Advancing sustainability at scale requires alignment across manufacturers, organizers, service providers and venues," Fretheim said. "No single company can create change alone. Trade Show Executive also learned that successful circular solutions require planning beyond the product itself. Material selection matters, but so do collection systems, recovery pathways, logistics and stakeholder education. Piloting the program allowed Trade Show Executive to validate those processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement as the initiative grows. "Trade Show Executive believe Green Step represents an important shift in how the industry thinks about flooring. A few years ago, the most sustainable recommendation was often to eliminate aisle carpet entirely. Today, Trade Show Executive has the opportunity to rethink the product itself through a circular model. "As inventory grows, future carpet production can increasingly utilize recycled pellets created from recovered material, reducing the need for virgin resources. This creates a system where materials stay in use longer and can ultimately be transformed into new products rather than becoming waste. We expect to see broader adoption of circular flooring solutions across additional events, and we hope this project serves as a model for rethinking other high-volume materials used throughout the events industry." Estes sees Genesis playing an important role in the future of sustainable event flooring. "As more organizations establish sustainability goals and seek measurable ways to reduce waste, products designed to remain in circulation for as long as possible through reuse and ultimately be recycled at end-of-life, will become increasingly important," Estes said. "Its goal is to continue expanding the adoption of Genesis while further advancing material recovery and closed-loop solutions. "We believe the future of event flooring lies in products that are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind, and Genesis is an important step in that direction... We are proud of what Genesis represents, but we are equally excited about what it demonstrates for the future of the events industry: that sustainability and performance can work hand in hand to create better outcomes for our customers and the environment." RX plans to scale this solution up to the point of using it exclusively in the U.S. "Our only limitation is production and volume right now," Grant said. "We engage our Freeman partners before each show when talking about carpet orders and the floorplan, and that includes a discussion as to where the opportunity is and how much recycled product can we put on the show floor." "What's important is that recycling is only part of the story," Sheppard said. "Emerald Carpets already do a wonderful job of making sure the carpet is reused, we saw first-hand how it is cleaned and repaired so it can be used again. So yes, the recycling element is a fantastic innovation, but that comes at the end of the carpet's life. Before we even get to that point, the carpet is being reused."