Problems of resource support, rational use of the geosystem and optimization of relations between natural complexes create a need for future tourism specialists to acquire geoecological competence. A structural model of the formation of geoecological competence for students in tourism programs in higher educational institutions is presented. The need for geoecological competence was recognised from interviews with employers and the geoecological knowledge of students determined through surveys. The methodology and pedagogical technology of the academic discipline "Geoecology and tourism" have been developed. The effectiveness of the structural and functional model for the formation of geoecological competencies is presented. The professional competencies of the academic discipline "Geoecology and tourism" are gradually formed in three stages. Geoecological competence gradually improves knowledge and skills, thereby increasing the level of quality of training. The model of geoecological competence of tourism students makes it possible to see, feel and understand, as well as orient the sphere of values and worldview associated with geoecology.