With over two decades of executive leadership in Iran’s tourism industry, I have cultivated a comprehensive expertise that bridges strategic management, policy development, and international tourism diplomacy. My career began in operational roles, evolving through continuous academic advancement and hands-on leadership across key tourism organizations and enterprises.
Throughout my tenure, I have led transformative initiatives including the development of sustainable tourism policies, spearheading industry associations, and driving educational programs designed to elevate professional standards within the sector. I have also represented Iran’s tourism industry in multiple international forums, exhibitions, and bilateral collaborations to foster cultural exchange and market expansion.
My academic credentials encompass advanced degrees in Strategic Business Management and Political Geography, which underpin my data-driven approach to decision-making and innovation. Parallel to my corpo
EDUCATION
1. Ph.D. in Political Geography
Degree: Ph.D.
Field of Study: Political Geography
Institution: Islamic Azad University, Yadegar-e-Imam Branch
Thesis Title: Explaining the Political Impacts of Tourism on Enhancing the Geopolitical Status of Countries: A Case Study of Iran and Iraq
Location: Tehran, Iran
2. M.A. in International Relations
Degree: M.A.
Field of Study: International Relations
Institution: Islamic Azad University, Tehran South Branch
Location: Tehran, Iran
3. B.A. in Family Management
Degree: B.A.
Field of Study: Family Management
Institution: Applied Science University
Location: Tehran, Iran
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Business and International Management, Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management, Geography, Planning and Development, Cultural Studies
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Assessment of the Role of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Policies in Attracting Iraqi Tourists (Case Study:Tehran Region One) AP RafieiShad, M Hemmati, A Estelaji, A Akhbari Journal of Spatial Economy Organization 2 (8), 16–39 , 2025 2025
Analysis of the Position of Religious Tourism in the Islamic Republic of Iran in Enhancing Convergence with Neighboring Countries (A Case Study: Iraq) AE Amirpooyan Rafieeshad* , Mohammad Hemmati Journal of Society and Politics 3 (Issue: 2), 1 to 24 , 2025 2025
Assessment of the Performance of the Tourism Policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Enhancing Visits to Tourist Attractions (Case Study: Tourists from Iraq) AP Rafiei Shad, M Hemati, A Estelaji, M Akhbari Journal of Regional Planning 13 (51), 93–114 , 2023 2023
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Assessment of the Role of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Policies in Attracting Iraqi Tourists (Case Study:Tehran Region One) AP RafieiShad, M Hemmati, A Estelaji, A Akhbari Journal of Spatial Economy Organization 2 (8), 16–39 , 2025 2025
Analysis of the Position of Religious Tourism in the Islamic Republic of Iran in Enhancing Convergence with Neighboring Countries (A Case Study: Iraq) AE Amirpooyan Rafieeshad* , Mohammad Hemmati Journal of Society and Politics 3 (Issue: 2), 1 to 24 , 2025 2025
Assessment of the Performance of the Tourism Policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Enhancing Visits to Tourist Attractions (Case Study: Tourists from Iraq) AP Rafiei Shad, M Hemati, A Estelaji, M Akhbari Journal of Regional Planning 13 (51), 93–114 , 2023 2023