What Type of Tourism Is the Eiffel Tower?

By Alice Nichols

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. But what type of tourism does it represent? Let’s take a closer look.

Historical Background

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the World’s Fair held in Paris. The tower was originally intended to be a temporary installation but it soon became a permanent fixture due to its popularity. The tower stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall and is made of wrought iron.

Tourism Type

The Eiffel Tower is primarily a cultural and historical tourist attraction. It represents the rich history and culture of France and showcases its architectural achievements. Visitors come from all over the world to see this magnificent landmark and learn about its history.

Cultural Tourism

The Eiffel Tower is an epitome of cultural tourism as it reflects the country’s cultural heritage, represents its national identity, promotes its traditions, customs, arts, crafts, music, dance, literature, festivals and social institutions. Cultural tourism includes activities such as visiting museums, historical sites or monuments.

Historical Tourism

Historical tourism focuses on learning about past events or people that have influenced society. The Eiffel Tower has played an important role in French history since its construction in 1889.

It has witnessed many significant events such as the French Revolution and World War II. The tower has also been the site of many proposals and other romantic gestures over the years.

Tourism Impact

The impact of tourism on the Eiffel Tower is both positive and negative. On one hand, tourism brings in revenue for maintenance and preservation of this iconic landmark. It also creates job opportunities for locals who work in hotels, restaurants and other tourist-related businesses.

On the other hand, tourism can also cause overcrowding and damage to the tower. The high volume of visitors can put a strain on the infrastructure and lead to wear and tear on the building. Additionally, tourism can lead to environmental degradation due to increased waste and pollution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Eiffel Tower is primarily a cultural and historical tourist attraction that represents France’s rich heritage. It has a significant impact on the local economy but also faces challenges due to overcrowding and environmental concerns. Despite these challenges, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.