The symbolic monument of France, one of the most visited monuments in the world (if not the most visited, depending on the year), reopens its doors after almost a year. In fact, Covid forced the Eiffel Tower to the longest stop since the post-war period: after 260 consecutive days of forced closure due to the pandemic, the work inaugurated in 1889 opens its doors to the public again, albeit on a limited basis. It kicked off on Friday 16 July with 70.000 tickets sold: a timid start for a monument that in 2014 reached the threshold of 7 million admissions and which again in 2019, just before the health emergency, had totaled 6,2 million . But still a beginning, after more than 9 months of closure, like never before in its recent history.
A very hard moment, with the 350 employees on layoffs and a huge hole in the balance sheet, only partially offset by the recent capital increase approved by the Board of Directors: 60 million euros, compared with 70 million estimated losses in 2021 and 52 million ascertained red in 2020. This year it announces therefore still weak, despite the partially saved summer season: according to forecasts, revenues will be -75% compared to a normal year (from around 100 to 25 million)
In fact, only 13.000 people will be able to climb the Eiffel Tower every day, with the capacity reduced by 50% and the obligation of a Green Pass starting immediately, according to the provisions of the government for all places of culture and leisure (therefore also the Tower) where gather 50 or more people. The first tickets sold bear witness to one strong presence of French, to 50%, then 35% of Europeans (especially Spanish and Italians) and finally 15% of Americans, who resume traveling in Europe. On the other hand, the almost total absence, due to the various restrictions, of British tourists, who are usually the most present on this architectural jewel commissioned from Gustave Eiffel, will weigh heavily. Asian tourists are also almost completely absent, again for the usual reasons.
The reopening of the Eiffel Tower is in any case a sign of hope, even if it is not the only challenge to face in recent months: as if that were not enough, in February it was suspended due to regulatory issues (traces of lead were found in quantities exceeding the permitted thresholds) the plant painting site. After 132 years of life, even the most famous tower in the world needs a repaint (actually, this would be the twentieth time), but everything has been postponed until the autumn. Covid, weather and budget permitting.
