Bangkok, Thailand, October 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF III) to the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand. The third edition of the festival, scheduled to take place from October 22-25, 2026, promises to be an unparalleled gathering of the world's most experienced and adventurous travelers.

“The Extraordinary Travel Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of global exploration and human connection,” says Gazarian, whose website @GlobalGaz showcases stories and images from his extensive travels. “Following the overwhelming success of our previous gatherings, we are thrilled to bring this unique community together again in a city that truly embodies the spirit of adventure.”

ETF III is aimed at both seasoned globetrotters (who have already visited many countries, including all 193 sovereign UN member states) and passionate travelers looking to expand their horizons. Participants gain valuable insights, hear captivating stories, and learn practical strategies from seasoned world travelers. Many speakers and participants have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign states—a accomplishment shared by fewer than 400 people alive today. However, the festival seeks to inspire and inform everyone who shares a deep passion for travel, regardless of how many countries they have already visited.

The festival features over 20 dynamic speakers who will deliver captivating keynotes, insightful breakout sessions, and lively panel discussions. This year's high-caliber program includes:

  • Jamie Aleman: He has travelled to every country in the world, both the North and South Poles, and has been to space.
  • Jason Wang: Recently completed his ascent of Mount Everest, thus conquering all Seven Summits.
  • Kach Medina Umandap: He was the first person to visit every country in the world and to accomplish this task with a Philippine passport.

    • “Imagine the world’s modern-day Marco Polos gathered in one place,” Gazarian adds. “The energy, enthusiasm, and immense knowledge shared at our previous events about travel and collecting country documents were truly transformative.”

    The largest mega travel clubs will be prominently represented, including Every Passport Stamp (30,000 members) and Travel Massive (60,000 members), creating an unparalleled networking environment.

    Building on the success of past festivals, ETF III offers participants a comprehensive program with high-profile speakers, vibrant parties, and a gala dinner. Thailand was recently named Asia's most culturally rich country by US News & World Report, while Travel + Leisure named Thailand its travel destination of the year for 2025.

    The Extraordinary Travel Festival is of such an extremely high standard that both the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Financial Review felt it was worthwhile to send journalists to write articles about the ETF for the travel section on the front page.

    The Extraordinary Travel Festival offers tourism associations, tour operators, and travel agencies a unique opportunity to connect with the world's most experienced and knowledgeable travelers and showcase their destinations or brands. Sponsorship inquiries are welcome.

    Ticket information: Those interested can now secure their spot online at extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/. Use the code BANGKOK to save on your ticket purchase.

    For any questions, please contact: Ric Gazarian Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +1 617 901 9248