Virginia tourism officials paid ABC $536,000 to lure the network's popular reality show “The Bachelorette” to the state.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported the sum on Friday after learning of the Virginia Tourism Corporation's payment through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The show was required to mention the state’s “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan and link to the state’s tourism website online, according to The Associated Press.
The slogan was also used regularly online, including the official Twitter account and on host Chris Harrison’s social media.
Virginia is for lovers....of drama. #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/Z2EQfMH7Zh
— The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) June 29, 2018
Make note! We're headed to Richmond, Virginia! #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/zeAWSEZHky
— The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) June 30, 2018
#Virginia is for lovers and #BachelorNation certainly showed us the love this week in #RVA #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/l6pxFxbHe7
— Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison) July 2, 2018
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) also made an appearance in the episode, which aired Monday.
Hm, I know that sharp guy from somewhere...#TheBachelorette https://t.co/2iGCsDpwzm
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) July 2, 2018
Tourism officials told the Times-Dispatch that media-monitoring software indicated that the state garnered $47 million in publicity value from the show. "The Bachelorette" regularly draws around 6 million viewers, the paper reported.
Tomorrow's the big night! See what parts of Virginia @BacheloretteABC will explore on her journey to love #BacheloretteVA #LoveVA pic.twitter.com/ui3fgRdLCC
— Virginia Tourism (@VisitVirginia) July 1, 2018
If you’re watching @BacheloretteABC tonight, get ready for a very Virginia episode! Tweet with us for info on the places Becca visits. #BacheloretteVA #LoveVA pic.twitter.com/cNkPs2kb2b
— Virginia Tourism (@VisitVirginia) July 2, 2018
