Assessing the tourism and recreational potential of Penza region

At the present stage, tourism plays a key role in the economy of the state. The tourism industry contributes to the development of small business and job creation, stimulates the transport, communication, sphere of services, trade, construction, manufacturing of consumer goods. For Russia development of its tourism potential and the service sector is very relevant. The article reviews and analyzes the potential capabilities and features of tour- ism development in Penza region. Penza region has great possibility in the specified direction, but its tourism and recreation potential is not fully imple- mented. Therefore, there is necessity for elaboration of a complex of measures aimed at tourism industry development, correlated with the real economic and social conditions in the region.