Eiffel Tower is Drowning in Millions in Losses: Entrance Prices Have Soared to €36.1## Translation Notes

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the symbol of Paris and all of France, the Eiffel Tower, has faced serious financial problems threatening multi-million losses. An audit revealed an alarming trend: the tower's operator is failing to manage it effectively, and ticket price increases intended to save the situation are only scaring away tourists, calling into question the sustainability of the famous structure.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the British publication The Times, citing a report from the French Court of Accounts, the tower's operator, the municipal company Societe d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), incurred losses of €8.5 million in 2024. The forecasts are even more pessimistic: auditors believe that by 2031, the company's deficit will reach an impressive €31 million, requiring immediate and radical solutions.

Key causes of the financial crisis identified by the Court of Accounts:

• Underestimation of renovation costs: Experts criticize the operator for significantly underestimating the real costs of capital repairs and tower upgrades.

• Excessive benefits and payments to employees: The generous system of benefits and payments for 441 SETE employees also drew criticism from inspectors.

• Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: The report indicates that problems were exacerbated during the pandemic, when SETE lost €149 million due to the prolonged closure of the tower and still cannot fully restore its financial position.

In an attempt to somehow compensate for the losses, SETE resorted to an unpopular measure – increasing ticket prices. This year, prices rose by 18%, reaching €36.1 for entry, and another increase is already planned. However, according to the Court of Accounts, this strategy is not having the desired effect: on the contrary, tourists are beginning to lose interest in the Eiffel Tower, and overall there is a reduction in the number of tourists visiting Paris. The situation calls into question the sustainability of one of the world's main tourist attractions and requires an immediate solution to avoid further deepening of the financial crisis and to maintain the appeal of the French capital's symbol.