THE ROLE OF SOFT SKILLS IN INCREASING STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION FOR TRAVEL (By Age Characteristics)

Abstract

The article explores the role of soft skills in enhancing school students’ interest and motivation for tourism. The study examines various types of tourism experiences – such as educational tourism, cultural tourism, and nature-based tourism – organized according to students’ age characteristics. Through participation in tourism and travel activities, students effectively developed soft skills such as communication, teamwork, creative thinking, leadership, and problem solving. Data were collected using questionnaires, observation, reflection journals, and interviews. The results showed a significant improvement in all assessed soft skills among students who participated in tourism experiences. Travel activities provided students with opportunities to meet new people, complete group tasks, find creative solutions, and take on responsibility. The findings indicate that tourism contributes to students’ personal development and increases their interest in travel. Gender-based differences were also identified: girls showed greater progress in communication and creative thinking, while boys demonstrated stronger teamwork and leadership skills. The article highlights how integrating tourism into the educational process can effectively promote students’ personal growth, foster motivation for travel, and enhance the use of tourism experiences. The educational, developmental, and social potential of tourism activities is analyzed, and practical recommendations are proposed. The study’s outcomes suggest that tourism and travel can serve as powerful tools for fostering personal development and building soft skills among school-aged students.