Andris Klepers

Andris Klepers serves as a Researcher at the Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, a position held continuously since September 2004. His academic foundation includes a Doctor of Geography (Dr.geogr.) from the University of Latvia's Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, completed between 2008 and 2012.

Dr. Klepers' research program centers on tourism geography with distinctive expertise in spatial analysis of destination systems, crisis impacts on tourism (including pandemics and geopolitical conflicts), and environmental management in coastal regions. His methodological approach integrates quantitative spatial analysis using GIS and digital mobility data with qualitative assessments of stakeholder perceptions and policy implementation effectiveness. Current work emphasizes business intelligence applications for destination performance measurement and ecosystem service frameworks for sustainable coastal planning, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary connections between geography, environmental science, and tourism management.

Analysis of his 15 publications (2009-2024) reveals evolving research priorities: early work focused on post-Soviet tourism transformation (2009-2012), transitioning to spatial analysis of Baltic destinations (2016-2018), with recent emphasis on crisis management (2020-2024). Key thematic threads include Latvia's coastal tourism dynamics, hospitality industry evolution, and the application of ecosystem services in spatial planning. His 2022-2024 output shows particularly strong engagement with contemporary challenges like the Ukraine war's tourism impacts and business intelligence operationalization.

While no formal awards are documented, his consistent publication record in respected outlets like Folia Geographica, Current Issues in Tourism, and One Ecosystem demonstrates scholarly contribution. Collaborative patterns indicate strong national networks with University of Latvia researchers and interdisciplinary partnerships spanning environmental science and social domains.

Regarding supervision and funding, available information doesn't specify current students or active grants. However, his ongoing research output (including 2024 publications) suggests continued project engagement. Dr. Klepers does not appear to lead a named laboratory, but his Vidzeme University position facilitates regional research through access to Latvian tourism data and fieldwork opportunities in coastal/rural destinations. His work maintains strong relevance to Baltic regional development challenges through practical policy applications.