The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of France, had to close for several days due to a strike.
(Baonghean.vn) - The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of France, has been closed for several consecutive days as employees extend their strike related to the site's management.
According to AFP, this is the second time in two months that activities have stopped at one of the world's most popular tourist destinations to protest what unions consider insufficient investment.
SETE, the tower's operator, has advised those who purchased Eiffel Tower tickets to check their website before visiting or postpone their trip. Those holding e-tickets have also been asked to check their email for further information. SETE stated that ticket buyers will receive a refund.
Trade unions have criticized SETE for building its business model on what they claim are inflated estimates of future visitor numbers, while underestimating repair and maintenance costs.
Trade unions also called on the city of Paris to "act reasonably with its financial demands to ensure the survival of the destination and the businesses that operate it."
The Eiffel Tower faced a shortfall of approximately €120 million ($130 million) during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The tower's operator subsequently received a €60 million refinancing package, which unions argued was insufficient due to the need for extensive maintenance, including a repaint.
The number of visitors to the Eiffel Tower dropped sharply during the Covid-19 period due to closures and travel restrictions, but recovered to 5.9 million in 2022 and 6.3 million last year.
