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Objective: The main aim of this study is to investigate the possible challenges and prospects in developing the future community-oriented tourism at Sof-Umar cave and its environs after examining the contemporary benefits of traditional tourism to the local community.                                                   Methodology: The paper opted for a household survey method employing a mixed research approach. The questionnaire, interview and field observation were used as data gathering instruments whereas samples were systematically selected from Sof-Umar kebele. Descriptive and inferential statistics used to analyze the quantitative data. Findings: The findings showed that the study area has enabling factors for the future-proof of tourism to be community-focused despite the challenges that are most commonly experienced in other parts of the country where this type of tourism has been virtually established. Research limitations/implication: Because of the confinement of the objective to the possibility of making the future tourism community-focused, the study does not happen to show the contextual procedure for the development of this niche tourism. Thus, it’s recommended that a straightforward implementation guideline has to be prepared well in advance. Originality/value: This study gives stakeholders fascinating insights into the problems related to the conventional tourism and the need to make the future tourism a community-focused so as to maximize the benefits of the sector and resolve the contemporary conflict.