Amongst the objectives of the H2020 SPOT project (Social and Innovative Platform On cultural Tourism and its potential towards deepening Europeanisation), there was the intention to explore the use of cultural tourism as a vehicle for improving the social and economic fabric of disadvantaged rural areas. Through 15 Case Studies (including a small number of over-touristed areas for comparison), partners ‘clustered’ examples to establish common themes around which to describe the good practice. The detailed analysis demonstrated that each cultural tourism target is unique. It may be that there is an attraction of cultural tourism despite there isn’t a ‘brand’ but each site has its own special features. Following extensive dialogue with stakeholders and the collation of relevant statistical data in each area, being inspired by the work on Regional Development carried out by the European Research Centre in its work on Smart Specialisation Strategies, SPOT teams described the key factors which need to be addressed in progressing Cultural Tourism in new locations or in capitalising on existing examples of Cultural Tourism. The factors are explored in detail and the relationship between them is identified by the local stakeholder’s observations; examples of successful interventions are quoted from our extensive database of Case Study findings. The importance of stakeholder engagement is described and the support which can be given by the academic communities is highlighted. The framework of European, national, regional and local policy approaches is analysed in general terms and observations are made on the organisational structures which support (or impede!) cultural tourism activity. Whilst SPOT argues that each example of Cultural Tourism is unique, it is still able to draw conclusions regarding priorities at each level (EU/national/regional/local) which need to be addressed. The approach is holistic—single-issue intervention is not considered effective. The overall approach encourages sustainability; sustainability in economic terms, sustainability in social and community relationships, sustainability in resources, environmental point of view and finally in the use of cultural tourism activity to promote community empowerment, reduce conflicts and provide a dynamic future for disadvantaged areas.