Abstract
<jats:p>The article explores the role of social intelligence as a vital resource for ensuring high service quality in the tourism and hospitality industry. Amidst the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and the growing influence of neural networks, the study emphasizes the irreplaceable value of 'Human-to-Human' interaction. Through a systematic synthesis of contemporary scientific discourse and empirical findings, the research validates the intricate link between an employee’s capacity for empathy, nuanced social information processing, and overall guest satisfaction levels. A significant portion of the study is dedicated to the pedagogical application of these concepts at Poltava State Agrarian University. The paper highlights specialized experience in training students within management and hospitality programs, presenting a structured methodology consisting of ten practical exercises. These activities are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical constructs of social intelligence and their functional application in high-pressure service environments. It can be concluded that the deliberate cultivation of social and emotional competencies is no longer an optional skill set but a vital necessity for preparing future specialists. Such training ensures the delivery of high-touch, human-centric service that remains competitive in an increasingly automated global market.</jats:p>