Eiffel Tower closes as Paris staff go on strike
The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's top tourist attractions, closed again on Wednesday after staff went on strike.
The strike, which was called to protest over the way the monument is managed financially, began on Monday and continued until Wednesday. According to the tower's operator, SETE, it could be extended again.
SETE advised ticket holders to check its website before showing up, or to postpone their visit. E-ticket holders were asked to check their e-mails for further information.
Readers recommend: Things to see in Paris apart from the Eiffel Tower
The stoppage is the second strike at the Eiffel Tower within two months for the same reason.
Unions have criticised operator SETE for its business model that they say is based on an inflated estimate of future visitor numbers, while under-estimating construction costs.
The Eiffel Tower - Paris's most famous landmark - attracts nearly seven million visitors a year, around three-quarters of them foreigners, according to its website.
During the Covid pandemic numbers dropped sharply due to closures and travel restrictions, but recovered to 5.9 million in 2022.
Visitor numbers to Paris are expected to swell this summer as the French capital hosts the Olympic Games.
ANALYSIS: Will there be strikes in Paris during the Olympics
In a joint statement, the CGT and FO unions called on the city of Paris "to be reasonable with their financial demands to ensure the survival of the monument and the company operating it".
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The strike, which was called to protest over the way the monument is managed financially, began on Monday and continued until Wednesday. According to the tower's operator, SETE, it could be extended again.
SETE advised ticket holders to check its website before showing up, or to postpone their visit. E-ticket holders were asked to check their e-mails for further information.
Readers recommend: Things to see in Paris apart from the Eiffel Tower
The stoppage is the second strike at the Eiffel Tower within two months for the same reason.
Unions have criticised operator SETE for its business model that they say is based on an inflated estimate of future visitor numbers, while under-estimating construction costs.
The Eiffel Tower - Paris's most famous landmark - attracts nearly seven million visitors a year, around three-quarters of them foreigners, according to its website.
During the Covid pandemic numbers dropped sharply due to closures and travel restrictions, but recovered to 5.9 million in 2022.
Visitor numbers to Paris are expected to swell this summer as the French capital hosts the Olympic Games.
ANALYSIS: Will there be strikes in Paris during the Olympics
In a joint statement, the CGT and FO unions called on the city of Paris "to be reasonable with their financial demands to ensure the survival of the monument and the company operating it".
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