Culture Discovery Vacations Announces Leadership Transition
TAMPA, FL - December 6, 2025 - Culture Discovery Vacations, the luxury culinary travel company specializing in authentic cultural immersion experiences, today announced a leadership transition as Robert "Rocky" Cohen has concluded his tenure with the company, effective immediately.
Michael Kovnick, company founder and current CEO, will continue leading all aspects of Culture Discovery Vacations' operations alongside the established executive team. Daniele Pintaudi, Chief Operating Officer, and Paola Kovnick, Chief Financial Officer, will continue directing day-to-day operations as they have for years, ensuring seamless continuity across the company's international network.
"Our operational strength lies in the dedicated team that has been successfully managing our programs across five countries," said Kovnick. "Daniele and Paola have been the backbone of our operations, and their continued leadership ensures our guests will experience the same exceptional service and authentic cultural immersion they've come to expect."
Cohen, who previously served as CEO from 2015 to August 2024, is no longer affiliated with Culture Discovery Vacations in any capacity. The company confirms that Cohen does not hold any management position, partnership role, or operational authority within the organization.
Operational Excellence and Continuity
Culture Discovery Vacations maintains direct operations and proprietary infrastructure in Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Croatia, with offices in the United States, Italy, and Portugal. Under the continued leadership of COO Pintaudi and CFO Kovnick, the company's day-to-day operations remain unchanged, ensuring consistent delivery of its signature authentic travel experiences.
"Daniele oversees all our ground operations and maintains the crucial relationships with local families and communities that make our experiences unique," noted Kovnick. "Paola ensures our financial operations support sustainable growth while maintaining the quality standards our guests expect. This team has been successfully running the company's operations for years."
The company's direct operator model, featuring long-established relationships with local families and communities, continues to deliver experiences that cannot be replicated by traditional tour operators. Recent guest testimonials consistently highlight the transformative nature of Culture Discovery Vacations' family-centered approach.
Strategic Focus
Under this proven leadership team, Culture Discovery Vacations will advance its strategic initiatives focused on deepening authentic cultural connections while maintaining the intimate group sizes and personalized attention that distinguish the company in the luxury travel market.
The company's all-inclusive model, featuring hands-on cooking classes in family homes, market visits with locals, and exclusive access to cultural experiences, remains central to its operations across all destinations.
About Culture Discovery Vacations
Founded in 2006 by Michael Kovnick, Culture Discovery Vacations creates authentic cultural immersion experiences across Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Argentina, and Uruguay. Headquartered in Tampa, FL, with offices in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, the company operates as a direct provider with proprietary infrastructure in all tour destinations. Culture Discovery Vacations specializes in small-group luxury experiences featuring hands-on cooking classes in family homes, exclusive community access, and genuine cultural exchange. The company holds TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition for its innovative approach to authentic travel.