Eiffel Tower Maintains Steady Popularity, Welcoming 6.3 Million Visitors in 2024

The Eiffel Tower, affectionately known as the "Iron Lady," continues to be a major draw for tourists from around the globe. In 2024, the iconic landmark welcomed 6.3 million visitors, matching the number recorded in 2023, according to figures released by the Eiffel Tower Operating Company (SETE), which is owned by the City of Paris. This consistent popularity cements its position as the third most visited paying site in France.

Despite maintaining impressive visitor numbers, the Eiffel Tower trails behind the Palace of Versailles, which attracts over 8 million visitors annually, and the Louvre Museum, which welcomes more than 7 million. These figures underscore the enduring appeal of French historical and cultural sites.

The Eiffel Tower’s allure extends far beyond France’s borders. Its visitors represent a diverse array of nationalities, hailing from over 150 countries. While French nationals constitute the largest group of visitors, accounting for 19.6% of the total, the tower is also experiencing a surge in popularity among American tourists.

The United States has emerged as the second largest market for the Eiffel Tower, representing 13.7% of visitors. This growth is attributed, in part, to the dynamic tourist activity surrounding the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which drew significant numbers of American travelers to Paris.

European tourists also contribute significantly to the Eiffel Tower’s visitor numbers. Germany leads the European contingent, accounting for 7.6% of visitors, followed by the United Kingdom with 7.2%, and Spain with 5%. The steady flow of visitors from these key European markets highlights the Eiffel Tower’s enduring popularity within the continent.

The SETE emphasizes that visitor satisfaction levels at the Eiffel Tower remain exceptionally high, reaching 96% in 2024. This represents a significant increase of 15 percentage points since the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that efforts to enhance the visitor experience are proving successful.

The high satisfaction rate is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges faced by the Eiffel Tower in recent years. Late 2023 and early 2024 were marked by a series of strikes, which disrupted operations and visitor access. Furthermore, ticket prices were increased last year, potentially impacting visitor sentiment. Despite these obstacles, the Eiffel Tower has managed to maintain high levels of visitor satisfaction, demonstrating its resilience and appeal.

Ongoing renovation work at the Eiffel Tower, which commenced in 2019, is nearing completion. The comprehensive project includes a major painting campaign, aimed at preserving and enhancing the structure’s appearance.

Jean-François Martins, president of the SETE, notes that this renovation cycle is the most significant undertaken in the past 40 years. The project is scheduled to conclude in 2026 with the painting of the inner face of the Iron Lady.

Significant progress has already been made, including the renovation of the North pillar elevator, which was successfully returned to service in January at a cost of 58 million euros. Additionally, the majority of the painting campaign, estimated to cost at least 80 million euros, has been completed.

These renovations are essential for preserving the Eiffel Tower’s structural integrity and ensuring its continued appeal to visitors for generations to come. The updated elevator provides smoother and more efficient access to the upper levels of the tower, while the fresh coat of paint enhances its visual appeal.

The Eiffel Tower’s enduring popularity, coupled with its ongoing renovations and high visitor satisfaction rates, suggests that it will continue to be a major tourist destination for years to come. The combination of its iconic status, rich history, and continuous improvements ensures that the Iron Lady remains a must-see attraction for visitors from around the world. The steady stream of visitors, particularly the increasing numbers from the United States, reinforces its position as a global landmark and a symbol of Paris. The city’s commitment to maintaining and improving the Eiffel Tower underscores its importance as a cultural and economic asset. The completion of the renovation project in 2026 will undoubtedly further enhance the visitor experience and solidify the Eiffel Tower’s place as one of the world’s most beloved landmarks. Its resilience in the face of challenges, such as strikes and price increases, is a testament to its enduring appeal. The positive feedback from visitors, reflected in the high satisfaction rates, demonstrates the success of efforts to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience.