On September 11th, 2001, terrorists crashed two passenger airliners into the world trade centre buildings killing 3,000 people. Since then there have been numerous events linked with terror including wars and bombing of tourist spots that have given way to a growing concern over the safety of travel. Due to the height of the tower and it’s landmark importance there were fears that it would receive a similar attack.
As a result of these fears, tourism numbers have dropped by more than 50% in some areas. This was not so with the tower as the percentage of visitors from the US at the tower stands at only 11% (http://www.tour-eiffel.fr).
Many jobs have been created by the tower itself and with people employed on site, whilst other jobs are supported by the site, for example, hotel workers, airlines etc.
During the build up to the war in Iraq, France was deeply opposed to military action and as a result of this was seen as an adversary to US interests. Throughout America there was an anti-French sentiment, an example of this was the name of French fries being changed to Liberty fries. This political action by the French government would most certainly have had an effect of US tourists visiting France, however no figures are available.
It would seem unfeasible for the French government to modify it’s foreign policies and stance on war for the benefit of tourism to the Eiffel Tower, however, as tourism is a major revenue earner and holds much cultural identity for France it is important for governments to realize the impact political decisions have on domestic industries.
There are actions that can be taken to boost tourism and visitors to the Eiffel Tower. Suggestions would include overseas marketing of France and Paris in general, this would definitely increase visitors to the tower, few people would make a trip to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower. Cheaper group bookings could be made available to visiting schools and universities. This would enable a higher volume of visitors and therefore more revenue.
For the Parisian people, the tower has helped to create a unique and recognizable identity throughout the world. As a testament to it’s popularity, over past three years the number of visitors to the tower have increased to six million per year (http://www.tour-eiffel.fr).
The Tower has a very comprehensive website which facilities millions of users to view information, see virtual tours and other features. This useful tool is has a great marketing affect for attracting customers and allows for an efficient and cheap distribution of information to interested parties, like this assignment for example. Four computers have recently been installed on the second floor of the tower which allows visitors to view information on the Eiffel Tower website.
The website could allow for ticket and group pre-booking along with a pre-booked ticket line at the tower which would speed up entry to the attraction by removing the payment stage.
Travel within Europe has become increasingly cheaper and faster with the introduction of the Channel Tunnel and budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet within Europe. This has resulted in increased tourist numbers to many destinations. You can currently fly to Paris from London for only £6.99 with Ryanair (). As time goes on and people become more aware and accustomed to frequent budget air travel, attractions such as the Eiffel tower will receive an escalation in visitors.
Due to the unique qualities of the Eiffel Tower, domestic competition is fairly limited. It is one of the unique and historic monuments that are complimentary to the city itself, the same way Big Ben is to London, Brandenburg Gates are to Berlin and the Statue of Liberty is to New York (another Gustave Eiffel monument).
Paris itself contains the Louvre, Disneyland Paris and many architecturally important buildings. Although these attractions do compete in some way to there tower, they cannot replace it’s historic importance to visitors. Internationally, there are many sites such as aforementioned.
To keeps it’s appeal to visitors, administrators must ensure that the operations at the attraction are efficient and trouble free. They must also ensure that maintenance to the site is kept up, as the attraction is open 365 days a year and attracts so many visitors. To do this the Tower operating company SNTE employs a large team of electricians, cleaners, plumbers etc to ensure that the tower continues to be a well regarded landmark for Paris and great attraction for tourists.
The Eiffel Tower has been around for over a century. It has featured in many films including a spectacular parachute jump in a James Bond film. It’s image has been ingrained in peoples memories the world over. It’s seen as one of the most romantic destinations and if you visit you will see many couples kissing under the arches. All these assets make it one of Europe most loved attractions.
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