Culture Discovery Vacations Entered for Magellan's Best Tour Operator Service Award
TAMPA, Fla., Au 15, 2025 -- Culture Discovery Vacations' groundbreaking service philosophy under consideration for the prestigious Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, showcasing how the company redefined authentic travel by treating customers as family rather than transactions.
The entry, titled "From Customers to Family: How We Redefined Service in Authentic Travel," details the company's nearly two-decade journey building a service model that creates genuine relationships instead of traditional tour experiences.
"We flipped the script on what 'authentic travel' really means," said Founder and CEO Michael Kovnick. "When guests, hosts, and vendors are on the same level as friends, a deep sense of meaning emerges that no traditional tour can match."
Beyond Transactional Partnerships
Unlike typical travel companies that view vendors as business partners, Culture Discovery has cultivated genuine friendships over 19 years. Many original vendors remain with the company, with staff knowing their children's names and celebrating life milestones together.
"Our vendors are never 'partners' in the transactional sense. They are dear friends," Kovnick explained. "Winery visits feel like long lunches at a friend's home. Cooking classes take place in real kitchens where guests are welcomed into the rhythm of everyday life."
Radical Transparency During Crisis
The company's family-first philosophy was tested during COVID-19, when Culture Discovery livestreamed cooking classes, helped vendors sell online, and provided direct financial support for free. The company even livestreamed business meetings to maintain transparency with guests.
The approach proved successful: not a single refund was requested during the pandemic, and the company grew 300% afterward.
Guest Loyalty Through Authentic Connection
Culture Discovery's all-inclusive approach eliminates upsells, shop steering, and hidden extras. The strategy has generated extraordinary loyalty, with many guests returning 15+ times because they know they'll be embraced, not managed.
"We learn our guests' stories before they arrive," said COO Daniele Pintaudi. "It's the pure hospitality you extend to friends visiting your home."
The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards recognize excellence across multiple categories in the travel industry, with the Service Category highlighting companies that demonstrate exceptional customer care and innovation.
About Culture Discovery Vacations:
Founded in 2006, Culture Discovery Vacations operates small-group cultural immersion programs across Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Argentina, and Uruguay. The company maintains offices in the USA, Italy, Portugal, and Croatia.
Media Contact:
Michael Kovnick, press@culturediscovery.com - 1 813-467-7203