Abstract
Digitalization in the field of education has become a significant factor influencing the development of students’ cognitive and communicative skills. This study aims to assess the impact of digital technologies on the development of professional competencies among students in Kazakhstan – an issue of particular relevance given the growing importance of digital literacy and intercultural communication in the training of tourism specialists. The research problem lies in the need to examine the impact of digital tools on learning outcomes compared to traditional teaching methods. To address this, the study evaluates the effectiveness of digital tools in professional education, specifically focusing on cognitive and communication skills among students. The participant sample consisted of 100 students assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received 8-week training incorporating innovative digital technologies, while the control group was taught using traditional methods. Their scores were compared using validated cognitive and communicative tests to assess the effectiveness of the training program. The study employed an experimental approach with pre- and post-testing. The results revealed a marked improvement in both cognitive and communicative skills in the experimental group, which utilized digital technology (p < 0.001). The control group showed no statistically significant changes. The practical significance of the research lies in the fact that its findings can serve as a foundation for the development of more efficient educational programs in the field of tourism, equipping students with the necessary skills to meet the modern requirements of the global tourism industry.