Due to the significant losses suffered during the coronavirus quarantine, tourists looking to climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris will now have to pay 20% more for a ticket, totaling 35 euros. This decision was made just a month before the Paris Olympics, with the company managing the tower, Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, citing the need to achieve financial balance.
This increase in ticket prices comes after employees of the company went on strike in February 2024, accusing management of inflating revenues and cutting operating costs. The tower itself had not been repainted for 14 years, despite a seven-year paint interval previously being the norm. This financial adjustment is seen as a necessary step to help stabilize the company’s finances and ensure the iconic landmark can continue to operate efficiently.
According to the mayor’s office in Paris, the company faced a budget deficit of 113 million euros from 2020-2022, with operating costs estimated at 130 million euros for the same period. Despite this challenge, efforts are being made by management and employees alike to ensure that one of France’s most popular tourist attractions remains operational and accessible for generations to come.
