Exploring the Eiffel Tower will become much more expensive in June as Paris prepares to revamp the experience of its most famous landmark for tourists. According to a recent report by French network BFMTV, starting June 17, the cost of ascending the Eiffel Tower will see an uptick. The price increase will affect those who prefer the elevator and the adventurers who scale the tower by stairs.
For adults seeking to reach the pinnacle viewpoint via elevator, the price will leap from the current €29.40 ($31.58) to €35.30 ($37.91). Similarly, an adult ticket for elevator access to the second floor will ascend from €18.80 ($20.19) to €22.60 ($24.27). Those opting for the stairway will also feel the pinch, with prices rising from €11.80 ($12.67) to €14.20 ($15.25). However, tickets for kids under four will remain free.
The Reasoning Behind the Eiffel Tower Price Hike
The price adjustment is not an isolated decision. The rationale behind this increment is deeply rooted in the pandemic’s impact on tourism. The Eiffel Tower is a magnet for nearly 7 million visitors annually. Still, with a staggering 75% of the population being foreigners, it faced a drastic drop in foot traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BFMTV reports that in 2020, the tower welcomed a meager 1.5 million visitors compared to its usual numbers. This downturn led to a financial loss of €113 million ($121.3 million) from 2020 to 2022.
Beyond the financial recuperation efforts, the timing of the price hike is also strategic as Paris gears up for the Summer Olympics. The Eiffel Tower, a must-visit for many tourists, will remain operational during the games, except for the opening ceremony on July 26. The ceremony, set to unfold along the Seine with a boat parade of athletes and concluding at Trocadéro, necessitates the temporary closure of the tower due to its proximity to the event’s culmination point.
This price increase is significant for potential visitors and the city of Paris. For tourists planning a trip to the French capital, this news serves as a crucial update for budgeting purposes. Meanwhile, for Paris, it represents an attempt to recover from the financial setbacks caused by the pandemic while also preparing for an influx of visitors during the Olympics.
