Paris’s famous Eiffel Tower, affectionately known as the “Iron Lady,” is on target to host about 6.3 million guests in 2024, according to the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), its operator. After a strong showing in 2023, with 6.318 million visitors—up 8% from the previous year—the monument continues to solidify its position as a major tourist attraction globally.
Events like the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are anticipated to help the tower in not only drawing crowds but also in achieving high levels of visitor satisfaction.
A Global Draw with Strong Domestic Roots
France was in 2023 the leading source of visitors to the Eiffel Tower, making up approximately 19.6% of the total. The United States was the second-largest market at 13.7%, seeing an increase during the Olympic and Paralympic Games specifically, SETE reports. European visitors remained quite important, with Germany (7.6%), the United Kingdom (7.2%), and Spain (5%) being the top three European markets. These figures really highlight the enduring appeal of the Eiffel Tower, especially among travelers from North America and Europe.
Soaring Visitor Satisfaction
A 2024 survey regarding satisfaction, done by Test, presents a very positive view of the overall visitor experience; it shows a record 96% satisfaction rate, which is a significant jump from 81% back in 2019. This survey, based on 7,409 exit questionnaires along with 1,604 responses gathered online, shows the impact of SETE’s work to improve the quality of service, enhance experiences for visitors, and boost what makes the monument so appealing. “This progress seems to reflect the actions that have been implemented to improve the welcome, enrich the experience, and increase the attractiveness of the tower,” SETE noted.
These enhancements provide a contrast to past criticisms and show a shift in how things are being managed.
Addressing Past Criticisms
Back in 2020, the French Court of Auditors released a critical report about the operations of the Eiffel Tower, citing issues such as long waits, frequent closures, and a ticket price that rose 47% in 2017. The report mentioned that the promised improvements, such as a long-awaited visitor center, had not happened. It also criticized the use of higher ticket prices to cover staff expansion and large salaries, without the necessary management changes, noting that these issues were hurting the monument’s image.
Since that time, SETE has taken key actions to deal with these problems. The implementation of online ticket sales which have specified time slots has improved access by cutting down on wait times and improving the visitor experience. These changes have clearly led to the improved reputation of the Eiffel Tower and increased visitor satisfaction in 2024.
Looking Ahead
As the Eiffel Tower welcomes millions from all parts of the globe, its dedication to operational efficiency and visitor satisfaction is seemingly paying off. The record satisfaction rate as well as steady visitor numbers, emphasize the monument’s ability to adapt and thrive, even facing previous difficulties. With ongoing work to refine the overall experience, the Iron Lady continues to be a symbol of Paris that is timeless, attracting travelers and creating a high standard for landmarks around the world.
