The article discusses the role of nonprofit organiza-tions in the development of the tourist industry on the example of the Republic of Tatarstan. These organizations are actively involved in solving the most important problems in the field of tourism and hospitality along with the state and business structures. Familiarization of students with the potential of civil society institutions, social technolo-gies and mechanisms, the principles of interaction with government bodies and local self-government, involvement in social practices are the most important conditions for mastering the key competencies of future professionals. The purpose of the study is to analyze the activities of public entities at the regional level: relatively new public structures – the Public Chamber of the Republic, municipal and departmental public councils, professional commu-nities, non-profit organizations in the context of promoting the development of the tourism industry. The materials presented in the article, which resulted in the study of social practices, initiatives of public associations aimed at involving citizens in the processes of preserving and developing the cultural and historical heritage of the people, the spiritual and moral formation of the individual, and the author's own experience in the activities of socially-oriented non-profit organizations, allowed not only to reveal the potential of the third sector in the development of the tourist industry, but also to come to a conclusion about the need for students to receive full information on the tendencies of the development of civil society, the daily activities of public organizations, the importance of participation in voluntary actions and voluntary movement. On the recommendation of the Department of Service and Tourism of the Volga state academy of physical culture, sports and tourism, the topics are included in the work program of the discipline “Social and cultural activities of service organiza-tions” in the areas of bachelor's degree in Service, Tourism, Hospitality, and the master's program “History and methodology of scientific research”. This made it possible to implement in practice a constructive intention to involve students in the designated topic through effective educational technologies – project activities, case studies, participation in socially significant events. The author attempts to structure the institutions of civil society in accordance with their mission and objectives in the context of promoting the devel-opment of the tourism industry, justifying the need to study the specifics, mechanisms and principles of the functioning of civil society actors, social projects implemented by non-profit organizations in the sphere of tourism, participation of professional communities and public associations in the development and monitoring of the implementation of state programs and strategies, awareness of the importance of a constructive dialogue between authorities and society, the importance of pooling resources for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. These are the conditions for the mastering of key competencies by students, as well as the competent use of the acquired experience in professional activities.