The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) kicked off its third edition at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok on 22 October, bringing together 268 travellers from six continents for a four-day programme of keynotes, breakout sessions, film screenings and a gala dinner. The event, which runs through 25 October under the theme “Big Tent,” is designed for those who have pushed the boundaries of conventional tourism, with attendees having visited destinations as challenging as Afghanistan and the Principality of Sealand.
Ric Gazarian, co-founder and organiser of ETF, underscored the event’s unique appeal: “Two hundred sixty-eight people who have been almost everywhere, in one room in Bangkok — this is not your average travel conference.” The festival serves as a meeting point for leaders from travel communities such as NomadMania and Travel Massive, offering a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among the world’s most intrepid explorers.
Programme highlights and speakers
The agenda features 40 speakers, including Thor Pedersen, who will screen his documentary “The Impossible Journey,” chronicling his decade-long overland expedition to every country on Earth. Denis D. Grey, a veteran Associated Press war correspondent, will share insights from his career covering conflict zones. Other notable speakers include Ross OC Jennings, Jaime Aleman, Johnny Ward and Maral Yazarloo, each presenting their extraordinary travel feats and the lessons learned from venturing off the beaten path.
ETF III builds on the momentum of its previous editions, which have been covered by the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Financial Review. The festival has become a pivotal gathering for those pursuing rare travel achievements and exploring uncharted territories, offering a mix of inspiration and practical advice for travel professionals looking to tap into the growing demand for experiential and extreme travel.
For the travel trade, the event highlights a niche but affluent segment of travellers who prioritise unique experiences over traditional luxury. As destinations and operators seek to cater to this audience, events like ETF provide valuable insights into the motivations and preferences of these high-end adventurers.
Bangkok’s role as the host city is notable, given Thailand’s broader push to position itself as a hub for wellness and niche tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has been actively promoting the country as a wellness destination, as seen in its recent pitch at CNN Global Perspectives. The city’s hospitality sector is also evolving to meet the needs of diverse travellers, with recent openings like the SureStay Siriraj Bangkok targeting medical and culture visitors.
As the festival continues, attendees will have ample opportunity to network and share stories, reinforcing the sense of community among those who have “been almost everywhere.” The event’s success underscores the enduring appeal of travel as a means of personal challenge and discovery, even as the industry evolves.
