Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the iconic Eiffel Tower were met with disappointment on Monday as the renowned landmark remained closed due to a strike fueled by grievances over financial management.
A notice displayed at the entrance, written in English, conveyed the unfortunate message: "Due to strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed. We apologize." This closure, a rarity for the bustling site, comes amidst a backdrop of soaring anticipation as Paris gears up to host the upcoming Olympic Games.
Typically drawing nearly seven million visitors annually, with a significant portion hailing from international destinations, the Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of Parisian grandeur. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic led to a drastic decline in visitor numbers, with a gradual resurgence observed in 2022, reaching 5.9 million. Anticipated visitor figures are poised to skyrocket this summer with the influx of Olympic-related tourism.
The towering 300-meter (984-foot) structure, a centerpiece of central Paris, has been experiencing heightened foot traffic in anticipation of the Summer Olympics. While the Eiffel Tower traditionally remains open 365 days a year, occasional closures due to strikes are not unheard of. Notably, in December, the site shuttered its doors for a full day during the holiday season due to a similar labor dispute.
Stephane Dieu, representing the CGT union which encompasses a substantial portion of the tower's workforce, underscored the strike's objectives. Dieu emphasized demands for a salary increase commensurate with ticket revenue and enhanced maintenance of the monument, which falls under the ownership of the Paris municipality.
Tourists planning a visit to the Eiffel Tower on Monday were forewarned of potential disruptions through multilingual advisories on the official website. Electronic ticket holders were urged to check their email inbox for updates prior to their scheduled visit.
As the strike unfolds, visitors and Parisians alike find themselves grappling with the temporary closure of this cherished symbol, emblematic of both the city's allure and the ongoing labor dynamics within its confines.
