The paper focuses on the specifics of tourism activity at the contemporary stage. At present, tourism is a key sphere of contemporary economics targeted at satisfying people’s needs and improving the quality of their lives. The authors appeal to the legislative acts of the Russian Federation, primarily to the Federal Law № 132-FZ “On the Basis of Tourism Activity in the Russian Federation” (signed on 24 November 1996). The paper presents some of the existing classifications of types of tourism. The tour as the core of tourism activity is defined, its components, features, and marketing factors are defined. The features of tour operators’ and travel agents’ activities are revealed. The authors emphasize the fact that tourism activity is oriented at providing tourists with the opportunity to choose from a range of offered services, as well as at ensuring the protection of tourists’ rights and interests.