Visiting the Eiffel Tower will be difficult starting today

Monday, February 19, 2024

Starting today, visiting the Eiffel Tower is set to become more challenging. The personnel at this iconic monument have initiated an indefinite strike as of Monday, February 19, following calls from several trade unions affiliated with the Société d’exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE).

This action comes after a previous mobilisation in December, with the staff continuing to voice their discontent over what they perceive as the municipality’s poor financial stewardship of the monument, which is almost entirely owned by the city. A particular point of contention is the decision to significantly increase the fee the City of Paris levies on the tower’s revenues.

The fee in question is set to rise from 16 million euros annually to an imposing 50 million euros. The unions argue that the timing for such an increase is inopportune, given the recent challenges the monument has faced, including the COVID pandemic and a closure for decontamination work due to lead pollution. They point out that currently, only a minor fraction of the monument has been cleared of lead, and there’s an urgent need for repainting – a maintenance task last undertaken nearly 14 years ago, despite recommendations for it to be done every seven years.

Denis Vavassori, a union delegate from CGT, has publicly criticised the current state of neglect at the Eiffel Tower, highlighting that it’s been far too long since its last paint job. The unions further accuse the city authorities of prioritising revenue generation over essential maintenance and renovations, including the refurbishment of an elevator and goods lift, among other facilities that have exceeded their 30-year lifespan.

The implications of this strike on tourism, from start to finish, could be substantial. The Eiffel Tower, being a premier tourist attraction in Paris, draws visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at the city’s skyline from its decks. The ongoing strike and the issues leading up to it might deter tourists, affecting not only their experience but also the local tourism industry and economy.

Tour operators, local businesses, and the broader hospitality sector could face challenges, adjusting to the decrease in tourist footfall. Moreover, the strike highlights the necessity of sustainable tourism management, where the preservation of heritage sites is balanced with their commercial exploitation.

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