The Eiffel Tower in Paris will see a significant increase in ticket prices starting June 17. Adult tickets that include an elevator ride to the tower's summit will now cost €35.30, up from €29.40.
This 20% price hike is intended to help cover the renovation costs and recoup financial losses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eiffel Tower Adapts with Price Hike Strategy
During 2020, the Eiffel Tower experienced a drastic drop in visitor numbers due to the global health crisis. Only 1.6 million people visited the tower, a sharp decline from the nearly 6.2 million visitors in 2019.
The situation barely improved in 2021, with less than 2.1 million visitors. These low visitor numbers resulted in significant financial shortfalls for the Sociéte d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE), the company that operates the landmark.
SETE reported that in both years, the operating costs were about three times higher than the revenue generated, placing considerable financial strain on the operations.
To address these challenges, the Eiffel Tower is undergoing extensive renovation work, including lead prevention measures in its painting process.
According to CNN, this project is part of a broader effort to maintain and improve the structure, with work expected to continue until 2027. This includes updates to the elevators, which will occasionally necessitate closures.
For families, the new ticket prices also reflect this increase. Tickets for children aged between 12 and 14 will cost €17.70, and for those aged four to 11, the price will be €8.90.
These adjustments are necessary to ensure the long-term preservation and safe operation of this iconic Parisian monument.
Anyone who wishes to buy tickets online, visit the official website of La tour Eiffel for more information.
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Visitors Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Eiffel Tower experienced a significant rebound in attendance last year, drawing 6.3 million visitors, surpassing its 2019 figures. This marked an 8% increase compared to the previous year, according to the SETE operating company.
The surge in visitors was partly fueled by special events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of the tower's designer, Gustave Eiffel.
Philstar Global reported that in addition to these commemorative events, the Eiffel Tower introduced new attractions including guided tours and meals prepared by celebrity chefs at its high-end restaurant.
These enhancements helped attract a diverse international crowd, reinforcing its status as a global landmark.
Domestically, French visitors made up nearly 19% of the total attendance. North Americans were also significant contributors, with the United States alone accounting for 13.2% of all visitors.
European visitors from non-French countries were the largest group, totaling 44%, led by tourists from Germany, Britain, and Spain.
The 2022 Rugby World Cup also played a role in boosting tourist numbers, particularly from Oceania, with noticeable increases in visitors from Australia and New Zealand.
This visitor surge was mirrored by Paris' major museums, which either matched or exceeded their pre-COVID attendance figures last year.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
