Apna Kashmir

Apna Kashmir is a flagship initiative of the World Kashmir Forum (WKF), aimed at reimagining Kashmir not just as a conflict zone—but as a cradle of unmatched natural beauty, rich culture, and untapped economic potential. Through this campaign, WKF promotes a peaceful and prosperous vision of Kashmir, anchored in sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, and local community empowerment.

Key goals of Apna Kashmir:

Showcase Kashmir’s cultural and ecological treasures to the world
Foster tourism-driven economic revival through sustainable models
Engage youth, women, and locals as active partners in development
Replace narratives of violence with stories of hope and heritage

This initiative envisions a future where Kashmiris thrive with dignity, global travelers explore safely, and the region flourishes as a beacon of peace, sustainability, and resilience.

Discover the other side of Kashmir—rich, resilient, and ready.

Economic Impact of the Tourism Industry

The travel and tourism industry is a vital component of the global economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. In 2019, the industry accounted for 10.4% of global GDP and supported 319 million jobs, equivalent to 10% of total employment worldwide.This sector not only stimulates economic growth but also fosters cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Despite its economic significance, the travel and tourism industry faces several challenges

Navigating the Challenges

Lack of Skilled Workforce

The industry struggles with a shortage of trained professionals, affecting service quality and operational efficiency.

Negative Impact on Environment

Unsustainable tourism can cause environmental degradation and cultural erosion, harming both nature and heritage.

Lack of Quality Assurance

Customer reviews, often unreliable or manipulated, influence perceived quality, while inadequate customer support frustrates travelers.

Local Community Exclusion

Tourism initiatives fail to involve and empower local communities, leading to missed opportunities for sustainable development.

Program Objectives

01

Promote AJK Tourism

Objective: Showcase the cultural richness, historical significance, heritage, and unique events of AJK to attract global tourists.
Impact: Increased global awareness and interest in AJK as a tourist destination, leading to higher tourist inflows, cultural exchange, and tourism revenue.

02

Create Tourism Skilled Workforce

Objective: Provide comprehensive training and development programs to existing tourism service providers.
Impact: Improved service quality and professionalism in the tourism sector, resulting in enhanced tourist experiences and satisfaction.

03

Entrepreneurship

Objective: Encourage and support the creation of new tourism-related businesses, fostering entrepreneurship within the region.
Impact: Increased number of tourism-related startups, diversification of tourism offerings, and a more vibrant local economy driven by entrepreneurial activities.

04

Create Employment

Objective: Develop a skilled workforce in the tourism sector, enhancing accessibility to employment opportunities and entrepreneurship.
Impact: Generation of new jobs in the tourism industry, reduction in unemployment, and empowerment of local communities through better employment prospects and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Key Features

ApnaKashmir.org aims to revolutionize the tourism sector with a unique business model that empowers communities, foster entrepreneurship and provide an environment for sustainable development.

Cultural Preservation and Promotion

ApnaKashmir.org is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and local customs to a global audience.

Sustainable Development Initiatives

The project focuses on sustainable development, encouraging eco-friendly practices in tourism, agriculture, and local businesses to ensure long-term prosperity for the region.

Economic Empowerment

ApnaKashmir.org empowers local communities by creating job opportunities, supporting small businesses, and fostering entrepreneurship to boost the local economy.

Global Awareness and Advocacy

The project aims to raise global awareness about Kashmir's unique challenges and opportunities, advocating for peace, stability, and sustainable growth in the region.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced Tourism Experience

Improved service quality and tourist satisfaction through better-trained service providers and a reliable rating system.

Economic growth

Increased tourism revenue and job creation through the development of a skilled workforce and new entrepreneurial ventures.

Global Recognition

Greater global awareness of AJK's unique cultural and historical heritage, attracting more tourists.

Sustainable Development

Promotion of sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

Cultural preservation

Protection and promotion of local arts, crafts, and traditions, ensuring that AJK's cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Community empowerment

Empowerment of local communities by involving them in tourism activities, providing them with opportunities for economic and social development.

Innovation in Tourism

Encouragement of innovative approaches in tourism services and offerings, making AJK a leading example of modern and sustainable tourism practices.

KASHMIR

How You can Help

Discover the different ways you can get involved and support our mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your contribution can make a difference.

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Contact info

H-41, P.E.C.H.S Block-2,
Karachi, Pakistan.
+92 21 3452 8802-3
[email protected]