The article deals with the period of mass foreign tourists visiting the Soviet Union. It noted a special role of cultural and educational centers (Hermitage and Peterhof) in promoting international communication. Tourist groups became not only "providers" of foreign citizens in the Soviet Union at this time is activated admission of students from other universities of Leningrad. Opening the Soviet Union for foreigners have exacerbated certain vices of the Soviet system, both in economic and in human resources areas.