Afiya Holder

Dr. Afiya Holder is a Lecturer in Tourism and Events at the Business School, Edinburgh Napier University, and Director of the International Student Pathways Programme. She is a member of the Tourism Research Centre and internationally recognized for her research on tourist behaviour and social sustainability.

Education:

• PhD
• MSc (Advanced)
• BSc (Hons)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Her research focuses on socio-cultural aversions, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Indigenous tourism, tourism sustainability, marketing, and digital transformation for social good. She employs innovative methodologies such as netnography and critical animal studies. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in social constructivism and critical pedagogy, emphasizing ethical, inclusive, and equitable learning environments.

Dr. Holder's recent publications reveal a strong trend in examining cultural and ethical dimensions of tourism, particularly through digital narratives, visitor perceptions, and social justice issues. Her work bridges academic research with policy impact through collaborations with UNWTO, UK AID, and the Australian Research Council.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Trained Educator, Carbon Literacy Project
• Associate Editor and Podcast Producer, Tourism Geographies

She actively supervises postgraduate research, including PhD student Sebastian Lattekamp, and contributes to professional development programs for early-career academics. Dr. Holder leads the Royal Society of Edinburgh-funded project on African-Caribbean-Scottish heritage tourism and has been involved in major international research initiatives on sustainable tourism governance and ethical tourism practices.

She has extensive industry experience with organizations such as Tobago Division of Tourism, UNWTO, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and Hilton International, which enriches her academic and policy-oriented work.