This article discusses the formation of the modern complex of geographical studies of countries in the world at the Faculty of Geography and Geoecology in St. Petersburg State University. Revival of regional geography on a new basis was at the Faculty of Geography and Geoecology at St. Petersburg State University in the late 1990s, in response to the challenges of the active development of international tourism, both in Russia and in other countries around the world. Recreation and tourism has now become an important part of the economy in many countries around the world. Regional geography is the science of the countries and regions of the world, their nature, population, economy and politics. It is a geographical basis for recreation and international tourism. The department of regional geography and international tourism has developed a team of highly qualified specialists in the field of natural and social geography: landscape science, geography, history, and cultural studies, ethnography, sociology and practice of tourism. During the 15 years of its existence the Department has prepared 235 graduates and 47 masters of geography. This includies 16 masters trained for the People's Republic of China. Most graduates work successfully in the field of recreation and tourism. Prospects for the development of the department in the new structure-the Institute of Earth Sciences-seen in increased research in the field of geography and recreational nature, in the study of international experience in the rational use of the Arctic for the purposes of recreation and tourism.