This paper examines the possibility of developing Francistown as one of the Botswana’s tourism
destinations. The focus is developmental initiatives that can transform Francistown from an
ordinary transit city into a stopover where tourists can spend a few days. It would then be a city
similar to Kasane and Maun which are the key tourism destinations in Botswana, also attracting
visitors from the neighbouring countries of Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa.
Francistown is located in the north-eastern part of the country. This part of Botswana as a whole
attracts comparatively few international visitors. Francistown has the potential to become one of
the key tourism destinations in Botswana. A number of people living in Francistown and
surrounding areas are said to be living in poverty emanating from high unemployment. Tourism
has the potential to create employment and subsequently eradicate poverty.