Eiffel Tower, Closed Due to COVID-19, Reopens to Tourists

Reopening on July 16

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Eiffel Tower, which was closed due to the spread of COVID-19, will reopen to tourists starting this July.

AFP reported on the 20th (local time) that "the Eiffel Tower, a landmark of Paris, France, will reopen on July 16 after being closed for several months."

Online reservations will be available from the 1st of next month. The number of daily visitors will be limited to 10,000. The Eiffel Tower Operating Company (SETE) told AFP that "this is less than half of the pre-COVID-19 level." Elevator capacity will also be limited to 50% of the maximum occupancy.

The Eiffel Tower was closed for about three months starting in March last year during the first wave, then reopened. However, it was closed again from last fall due to the resurgence of COVID-19. This is the first time the Eiffel Tower has been closed for such a long period since World War II.

Since three out of four annual visitors were foreign tourists, the losses from the suspension of operations have been enormous. Following 52 million euros (approximately 71.7 billion KRW) last year, the losses are expected to reach 70 million euros (approximately 96.5 billion KRW) this year.

Jean-Fran?ois Martin, CEO of SETE, said, "With the funds we currently have, we cannot cover two years of losses," adding, "We are hoping for support from the Paris city authorities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.