Eiffel Tower Surpasses Pre-Covid Visitor Numbers in 2023

Eiffel Tower

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower saw a whopping 6.3 million visitors last year, according to its management company's announcement on Friday. This marked an impressive eight percent increase from the pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The surge in visitors was attributed to special events commemorating the 100th anniversary of Gustave Eiffel's passing, as mentioned in a statement by the SETE operating company. To enhance the experience, the iconic tower introduced new features like guided tours and gourmet meals prepared by a celebrity chef in its upscale restaurant.

Often referred to as France's "Iron Lady," the Eiffel Tower previously reached a peak of seven million visits in 2014 and maintained a substantial 6.2 million visitors five years later. However, it faced closures during the initial pandemic lockdown from March to June 2020 and again from October 2020 to July 2021.

Breaking down the demographics, French visitors constituted the largest group at 18.9 percent of the total, closely followed by North Americans at 18 percent, with the United States alone contributing 13.2 percent. Non-French Europeans made up 44 percent, predominantly from Germany, Britain, and Spain.

Interestingly, the Rugby World Cup in the previous year spurred increased visits from Oceania, including countries like Australia and New Zealand. The Eiffel Tower's enduring allure, combined with strategic offerings and commemorations, continues to draw diverse crowds from around the globe.