Research carried out by Leeds Beckett University found that involving refugees and asylum-seekers in tourism can help them integrate better and can build understanding between communities. The two-year study looked at a group of ten people with refugee or asylum-seeking status, who found themselves in Leeds after fleeing war and persecution in their home countries. In addition, discussions with 10 support workers in the industry and third sector were included in this project.
As part of the tourism venture, Tales of City Tours was set-up by a former Responsible Tourism Management Masters student. Refugees were involved as tour-guides in creating, designing and leading walking tours in the city. They chose the areas they would cover on their tours based on the meaning it had to them.