This is the second shutdown in two months at one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world in protest of what unions claim is inadequate investment. The operator of the tower, SETE, has recommended ticket holders to either postpone their visit or check its website prior to arriving. It was requested of e-ticket holders to check their emails for additional details.
Operators claimed that ticket holders would receive their money back. SETE has come under fire from unions for basing its economic strategy on what they claim is an exaggerated projection of future visitor numbers while underestimating the expenses of upkeep and repairs. In the afternoon, union officials were scheduled to meet with SETE management. Moreover, unions have urged Paris “to be reasonable with their financial demands to ensure the survival of the monument and the company operating it”.
A shortage of around 120 million euros ($130 million) was recorded by the Eiffel Tower during the 2020 and 2021 Covid epidemic. Since then, the operator has gotten a recapitalization of 60 million euros, but unions claim this is insufficient considering that significant maintenance work, such as a new paint job, is required. Due to closures and travel limitations, the number of visitors to the Eiffel Tower fell precipitously during COVID-19; nevertheless, it rebounded to 5.9 million in 2022 and 6.3 million last year.
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