<P> As one of the most iconic and recognisable structures in the world, the Eiffel Tower has been the inspiration for the creation of over 50 similar towers around the world . Most are not exact replicas, though there are many like it . </P> <P> The Eiffel Tower was an inspiration for the Blackpool Tower in Blackpool, England, which proved that a tower could be a profitable tourist attraction . The Blackpool Tower was originally the idea of the Standard Contract and Debenture Corporation, based in the Isle of Man, who proposed the erection of two towers, one in Blackpool and one in the Isle of Man and sold shares to potential investors, including many prominent Blackpool families . When the corporation got into financial difficultly John Bickerstaffe stopped the scheme from collapsing and ensured the scheme was a success . The Blackpool Tower, though one of the oldest, is not a true replica of the Eiffel Tower and differs from the Paris tower in a number of ways: it is approximately half the height of the Eiffel Tower (158 m compared to 324 m), it is not freestanding and the base contains buildings which house entertainments including the Tower Circus and Ballroom, making it in itself one of the most unique replica - like Towers in the world . It was also designed by the British architects Maxwell and Tuke who designed a number of towers including New Brighton . </P>

How many eiffel towers are there in the world