Extraordinary Travel Festival sets a world record in Bangkok

This year’s Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok marked a historic milestone as it brought together 250 of the world’s most intrepid travellers, including 31 with the enviable accomplishment of visiting all 193 UN-recognized countries.

As a result, ETF 2024 set a world record as the largest documented assembly of travelers who have completed this extraordinary quest.

This elite group was joined by Harry Mitsidis and Slawek Mutari, two of only four known individuals who have been to every country in the world twice.

The throng present at the ETF also included David Langan (Ireland), Jim Loudin (USA), Luisa Yu (USA),  Randy “The Sultan” Williams, (USA & Slowjamastan), Thomas Casswell (Sweden), Anders Larsson (Sweden), Christer Danielsson (Sweden), Jian Kang (China/Sweden), Chris Sutherland (New Zealand), Boris Kester (Netherlands), Stefan Krasowski (USA), Slawek Mutari (Poland/Kenya), Bengt Hildebrand (Sweden), Konstantin Liorek (Ukraine), Matt McCaughey (USA), Charles Veley (USA), Per Besson (USA), Evelthon Vassiliou (Cyprus), Christian Fleischer (USA), Hayley Kennedy (UK), Harry Mitsidis (UK/Greece), Lucy Shoe (USA), David Yang (USA), Flavio Ferrari Zumbini (Italy), Phillips Connor (Singapore), and Damian Stack (Ireland).

Also in attendance were Thor “Once Upon A Saga” Pedersen (Denmark), Maurizio Giuliano (Italy), Joel Oleson (USA), and Joao Paulo Peixoto (Portugal).  

Celebrating diversity

In addition to their extensive travel experiences, the participants of ETF brought diverse backgrounds to the event. 

Over 55 percent have over 100 countries, showcasing their extraordinary dedication to exploration. 

Representing six continents and spanning ages from 22 to 80, this group highlighted the universal and timeless appeal of global travel.

Award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian praised the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) and its host city, Bangkok, Thailand, as a resounding success. 

Gazarian said: “This travel festival offers the opportunity to connect and promote your destination or brand to the world’s most accomplished and expert travelers from around the globe.”

Bangkok hosted the second ETF from 15 to 17 November, bringing together the world’s most passionate and accomplished travelers for three days of sharing experiences, insights, and strategies. 

The event celebrated the spirit of adventure and exploration, featuring speakers and attendees, 31 of whom have visited all 193 sovereign countries: a feat achieved by fewer than 400 people worldwide.