World Record Set at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Fewer people have traveled to every country in the world than have ventured into Outer Space. The Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok marked a historic milestone, bringing together 250 avid travelers. Among them, an unprecedented 31 individuals who had accomplished the remarkable feat of visiting all 193 UN-recognized countries. This gathering set a new world record as the largest documented assembly of travelers who have completed this extraordinary quest.
This group was joined by Harry Mitsidis and Slawek Mutari, two of the four known individuals who have been to every country in the world TWICE. Other 193ers who attended the Extraordinary Travel Festival included (from left to right in the photo); 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 attending the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok (but missing in the photo) was Thor “Once Upon A Saga” Pedersen (Denmark), Maurizio Giuliano (Italy), Joel Oleson (USA), and Joao Paulo Peixoto (Portugal).
In addition to their extensive travel experiences, the participants of ETF brought diverse backgrounds to the event. Over 55% had visited more than 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. From November 15 to 17, 2024, Bangkok hosted the second ETF, 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 them who have visited all 193 sovereign countries—a feat achieved by fewer than 400 people worldwide.
“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,” Gazarian added. Tourism boards, consumer travel brands and tour providers wishing to make connections or facilitate bookings with this extraordinary group of travelers are also welcome to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
For questions, please visit www.extraordinarytravelfest.com