The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) has confirmed that Jaime Alemán, the first person to visit every country on Earth, reach both the North and South Poles, and travel into space, will deliver a keynote address at its third edition, scheduled for 22–25 October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Alemán's achievements place him in a unique category of modern explorers. Having visited all 193 United Nations member states, trekked to both poles, and flown aboard a suborbital space mission, he embodies the spirit of extreme travel that the ETF celebrates. His keynote will offer attendees rare insights into the mindset and logistics behind such record-setting journeys.
Ric Gazarian, co-founder of the ETF, said: “Jaime Alemán embodies the absolute pinnacle of global exploration. Very few people have been to every country. Even fewer have reached both poles. And only a tiny fraction of humanity has ever travelled to space. To combine all three is extraordinary—and perfectly aligned with the ethos of the ETF.”
Event highlights and networking opportunities
ETF III is expected to draw hundreds of the world's most seasoned travellers, including country collectors, overland adventurers, and extreme expedition veterans. The programme will feature more than 20 speakers, among them climbers who have summited the Seven Summits and explorers of remote territories. Attendees will also include representatives from major travel communities such as Every Passport Stamp, Travel Massive, and NomadMania, creating a rich environment for professional networking.
The festival's agenda includes keynote talks, breakout sessions, cultural performances, and social events designed to foster collaboration and idea exchange. With previous coverage in the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Financial Review, the event is poised to attract significant media attention, offering sponsors and exhibitors a platform to reach a highly engaged audience.
For travel professionals, the ETF serves as a hub for connecting with influential figures in the adventure and experiential travel sectors. The event's location in Bangkok, a major Asian aviation hub, makes it accessible for international delegates. Airlines and hoteliers may find value in the gathering, as it brings together a demographic that prioritises unique and high-end travel experiences.
Tickets are now on sale, with a discount code 'BANGKOK' available for attendees. Early registration is recommended given the expected demand.
This announcement follows the festival's tradition of featuring prominent speakers. Earlier this year, the event highlighted war correspondent Denis Gray, underscoring the festival's focus on extraordinary narratives. For those interested in broader travel trends, the ETF also aligns with developments such as Agoda's mapping of Asia's top dance festival destinations, which reflects the growing intersection of events and travel.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, events like the ETF provide a platform for professionals to explore emerging niches and build partnerships. The inclusion of a speaker with Alemán's credentials signals the festival's commitment to showcasing the pinnacle of human achievement in travel.
