A press conference dedicated to the development of student and popular science tourism was held in Stavropol. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and the North Caucasus Federal University.

Konstantin Malyshev, Head of the Department of International Youth Cooperation and Tourism at the Ministry of Education and Science, Oksana Kuznetsova, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy at NCFU, and Sergey Tuaev, Head of the NCFU Youth Center for Travel and Recreational Activities, spoke about the key areas of work and the results achieved.

As the speakers noted, support for youth tourism is an important area of government policy. Despite the fact that traveling in Russia often requires significant financial costs, a number of government programs and initiatives help make tourism accessible to students.

Konstantin Dmitrievich Malyshev drew attention to the unified tourism platform.science.The Russian Federation, which contains popular science tourism routes, as well as a list of facilities and useful information for travelers. At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Science relies not only on infrastructure, but also on the development of student communities.

–Our task is to support these initiatives so that universities can have stable teams capable of developing student clubs, educational expeditions and creative travel products,– Konstantin Malyshev emphasized.

NCFU is actively developing its own student tourism program: students and young scientists from all over the country can come to Stavropol or Pyatigorsk, stay on university campuses and take part in a rich cultural, scientific and entertainment program. It includes city tours, visits to scientific laboratories (including partner universities), concert events and much more. NCFU has already accepted more than 200 students this year.

– We see that tourism is becoming an effective tool for educational work: it allows students to familiarize themselves with important historical sites and events, as well as foster the patriotic spirit of young people. At the same time, we are talking not just about travel, but about full–fledged educational routes - they organically combine the study of history, the development of practical skills and immersion in the cultural environment of the region. This approach helps students to take a fresh look at their country," said Oksana Kuznetsova.

One of the NCFU's significant projects – The Scientific Route is being implemented jointly with universities of the Stavropol Territory and the entire North Caucasus Region. A month ago, as part of the project, an educational trip "In the footsteps of Ermak" took place, which was attended by students from 12 universities in Russia. The route included not only acquaintance with the history of the Urals, but also training in the organization of student travel clubs.

Thus, student tourism at NCFU goes beyond leisure and becomes a full-fledged educational and educational platform.