The closure of the Eiffel Tower in Paris for six days due to a strike by its employees led to losses exceeding one million euros, according to the operating company. The famous tower has reopened to visitors after shutting its doors because of a strike organized by union workers and employees, accusing the Paris City Council, which manages the company operating the Eiffel Tower, of financial mismanagement, as the city decided to triple the annual fees for this landmark.
These fees are the amount that the Eiffel Tower must pay each year to the Paris City Council, which increased this year to 50 million euros, just months before the start of the Olympic Games. The operating company estimates the loss of 100,000 visitors during the closure, confirming that individuals who booked tickets to visit the landmark will be offered the option to select another date or receive a refund.
Jean-François Martins, head of the Eiffel Tower operating company, told France Info television that what employees say about the need for renovations is somewhat of an exaggeration, clarifying that the company was the first to recognize the tower needed repairs more than five years ago. According to Martins, the budget of 380 million euros has been allocated for this purpose between 2017 and 2030. He added that they have completely rebuilt the elevator, are in the midst of a painting campaign, and have added features to facilitate access for people with limited mobility. Martins rejected union accusations against the city council, which is almost the sole shareholder in the company operating the tower, of greed.
Martins announced a 20% price increase for the summer of 2024, citing an increase in work costs amounting to 120 million euros. He noted that they could not delay the work being done on the tower, and did not want to place this burden on Parisian taxpayers or salaries.
