Abstract: Due to its geographical position and an array of cultural, historical and natural sights the Republic of Mordovia presents a considerable interest to tourists, however, the Republic’s traditional concern with manufacture of agricultural products has put tourism aside as economi-cally insignificant industry. Nevertheless, the need for creating a competitive tourist guidance facilities is proved by international and domestic nation-wide positive tendencies in the devel-opment of tourism as one of the most promising industries of the world economy, as well as by its wide multiplier effect, providing a stimulating effect on related industries such as transport, construction engineering, production and sale of souvenirs, agriculture, public catering industry, insurance, etc. The paper reveals the competitive advantages of the Republic of Mordovia and presents the results of the SWOT-analysis of development of tourist facilities and assessment of tourist-recreational potential of the region. The research is based on the systems approach with application of comparative analysis and economic-statistical methods. The authors substantiate the necessity for intensive activities aimed at broadening competitive position and creating conditions that extend the Republic’s competitiveness in the market of tourist services. The main conclusion of the study is that the authors underscore that only the use of state incentives adequate to new realities and support measures for tourism, formulation of necessary legal, institutional and economic basis will help to increase the competitiveness of the Republic of Mordovia in the market of tourist services.