Tax dollars from the province and city have gone towards paying for a vacation for reality TV stars in hopes of “creating a buzz” for Edmonton tourism.

Reality TV “Bachelorette” stars Ashley Hebert and JP Rosenbaum took in the Edmonton International Fringe Festival and the Alberta Art Gallery, staying at the Fairmont Hotel McDonald for a trip costing $17,200.

Travel Alberta paid for the couple’s $15,000 appearance fee.

The City of Edmonton pitched in $500 for the two-night stay, transportation and the itinerary, according to Edmonton Economic Development Corporation spokesman Bin Lau.

“Since they were interested in arts and culture, our program was very much focused on our festivals, for example, the Fringe — which is North America’s longest running and largest,” said Lau.

“It’s about targeting out-of-market audiences, for example in this case in the U.S. using the power of celebrity and broadcast to bring media exposure for Edmonton and for Alberta.”

The visitors paid for their own meals outside of the hotel.

Meanwhile, the province fit the bill for the couple’s flight.

Richard Wong, vice president of industry relations with Travel Alberta, said the flight cost was $2,200 for a return trip from New York.

Lau said the trip is about promoting Edmonton and bringing awareness and have seen the trip on four media outlets and estimated “reach” of 32 million, the equivalent of $550,000 in “earned media.”

The couple — between the two of them — have 230,000 followers on Twitter.

How exactly Travel Alberta calculates “earned media” — a measure of what similar exposure would cost if advertised through traditional means — was not available.

Previously, Kelly Ripa made an appearance for $835,000. The province estimates the exposure is in excess of $83 million.

Mayor Stephen Mandel said the EEDC is trying to promote the city.

“They have a budget and they try to allocate it the way that’s best for them,” he said.

The goal for Travel Alberta’s Visit Alberta Media Program is $250 million in earned media value.

catherine.griwkowsky@sunmedia.ca

@SunGriwkowskyC