The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) is set to return to Bangkok for its third global gathering, scheduled for 22–25 October 2026. Organised by award-winning travel photographer Ric Gazarian, the event will take place at The Ambassador Hotel on Soi Sukhumvit 11, bringing together some of the world's most accomplished travellers and explorers.
Gazarian describes the festival as "a celebration of global exploration and human connection," aiming to unite a unique community of seasoned mega-travellers and those aspiring to expand their travel horizons. The festival will feature over 40 speakers, including notable figures such as Jamie Aleman, who has travelled to every country and outer space, and Jason Wang, who recently completed the Seven Summits.
What to expect at ETF III
ETF III will offer attendees a chance to gain insights, share stories, and learn strategies from those who have visited all 193 UN sovereign nations. The event will also feature vibrant parties and a gala dinner, enhancing the networking opportunities amongst travel enthusiasts.
The festival is supported by major travel clubs like Every Passport Stamp and Travel Massive, fostering an unparalleled environment for networking. With Thailand recently named the 2025 Destination of the Year by Travel + Leisure, the festival promises to be an exciting event for travel aficionados.
The event presents a unique opportunity for tourism boards and travel brands to engage with expert travellers. As Bangkok continues to strengthen its position as a global travel hub, the festival aligns with broader industry trends, including expanded automated immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi and new wellness-focused developments like Bangkok's first integrated wellness club.
For travel professionals, ETF offers a rare chance to connect with a highly engaged audience of experienced travellers and industry influencers. The festival's format encourages meaningful dialogue and partnership building, making it a valuable addition to the regional MICE calendar. Bangkok's growing appeal as a MICE destination is further underscored by events such as TMX 2027, which will spotlight innovation and sustainability.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, events like ETF highlight the enduring power of human connection and the desire for transformative travel experiences. With its mix of inspiration, education, and networking, ETF III is poised to be a highlight of the 2026 travel calendar.
