The Tourism Abbotsford team knows all about the incredible experiences available in the community and loves nothing more than to share these with the world. But when a celebrity comes to town, it morphs to a whole new level.

Enter Bethenny Frankel: best-selling author, entrepreneur, and US television personality. She spent time in Abbotsford in March while filming a Lifetime movie. And while she came with no expectations, she was soon won over by its charms.

“Everyone said there was nothing going on here,” she said on social media. “But it’s one of the most interesting towns I’ve ever been in.”

It’s important to note that her positive remarks were not influenced by any payment or incentives, but rather by her genuine experience in Abbotsford. Frankel’s known for her honesty when reviewing products and places; in Abbotsford, that led to a viral celebration of the city’s virtues.

She covered a variety of businesses—from popular chains like the Cactus Club and The Sandman Hotel and Suites—to individual boutique offerings only found in Abbotsford, including Banter Ice Cream, Lully’s Hotdog Stand, Revive Boutique Bistro, 2 Scoops Dessert Café, and Afterthoughts Dessert Café. 

Frankel’s endorsement has had a positive impact on these businesses, resulting in increased coverage, visitation, and expenditure even once she had left. With a massive following of over 3.3 million people on Instagram and 1.6 million on TikTok, her influence has reached far and wide, with followers from Vancouver making day trips and others from the US East Coast expressing their newfound desire to visit Abbotsford.

Believe it or not, that has not been the only impact that Tourism Abbotsford has found.  Others hit closer to home and offer an insight into the often untapped and undiscussed benefits that tourism brings to a region beyond economic impact and job creation, touching on aspects such as community pride and the rediscovery of local treasures.

Residents and Fraser Valley locals are now embracing their surroundings with renewed enthusiasm, exploring the places that captured Frankel’s interest, and delving into Abbotsford’s rich culinary scene, wineries, breweries, farms, floral experiences, attractions, and events.

The relationship between film, tourism, and community is evident. Beyond the immediate spotlight of celebrity visits, film location tourism offers a sustained stream of interest, attracting enthusiasts eager to explore the settings of their favorite movies and TV shows. For Frankel, we are now a “town of treasures.”

Ultimately, the lesson drawn from Abbotsford’s experience is around the importance of staying connected with your community and embracing the wealth of experiences and events available right at home.

Look no further than tourism websites or social media to keep abreast of community offerings—and to ensure that as a resident or visitor, you can fully appreciate and contribute to the vibrancy of your surroundings.