Vice President Gaolathe Launches Francistown City Tourism Initiative

Vice President Gaolathe Launches Francistown City Tourism Initiative. Francistown took a major step in its tourism and economic development journey yesterday with the official launch of the Francistown City Tourism Initiative by Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe. The event marks a concerted effort to position the city as a vibrant destination for cultural, historical, and economic tourism in northern Botswana.

In his keynote address, Vice President Gaolathe highlighted Francistown’s rich heritage, emphasizing its significance as a gateway to the northern region. He noted the city’s historical roots, shaped by early human settlement, gold mining activities, regional labour migration, and its role during the liberation struggle, as foundational to building a sustainable tourism sector.

The initiative aims to leverage the city’s heritage sites, natural attractions, and creative industries to promote economic diversification, create employment opportunities, and stimulate inclusive growth, particularly for youth and local enterprises. Central to the programme is the collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders, and communities to ensure a shared commitment to developing city tourism.

“The Francistown City Tourism Initiative represents a strategic effort to reposition our city as a dynamic urban destination,” Vice President Gaolathe said. “By harnessing our history, culture, and natural assets, we can contribute meaningfully to Botswana’s national tourism landscape and long-term economic transformation.”

The launch concluded with a guided tour of the Francistown Heritage Trail, offering participants an immersive experience of the city’s historic and cultural landmarks. Highlights of the tour included the Supa Ngwao Museum, St. Patrick’s Church, Monarch Mine, the Gerald Estate Monument, First Street, Francistown Railway Station, the Old Prison, Nyangabwe Hill, and the Nyangabwe Cultural Centre. The trail showcased the depth and diversity of Francistown’s heritage, demonstrating the potential for tourism-led development.

Officials emphasized that the initiative will continue to engage communities and investors in developing sustainable tourism products, ensuring that Francistown emerges as a city that combines cultural richness with economic opportunity.