Panic in Spain as holiday hotspots warn tourists 'it is over - we have reached the limit'

Protests have been held throughout Spain against overtourism (Image: Getty)

The Balearic Islands sent a stark warning to the Spanish Government that tourism growth "is over", adding "there are no more places." In a press conference, the Balearic government called for flight limitations during the busy summer period, which usually increase drastically to accommodate the number of visitors.

The Minister of Economy, Finance and Innovation, Antoni Costa, told the Spanish Government that Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza have previously reached maximum capacity and these numbers cannot be exceeded. Local authorities want the Spanish government to tell airport authority AENA that "enough is enough".

Protests have been held in Majorca about overcrowding (Image: Getty)

Costa explained that while he didn't support degrowth, he believes visitor numbers need to be managed, which could be done by limiting flights in the same way that accommodation supply is managed. 

He said: "Perhaps we have to consider that in high season the number of slots at the airports of the Balearic Islands are already more than enough. 

"In the same way that the Government limits the supply of accommodation, perhaps it must be said, and I say this, that the increase in the number of slots in summer, in high season, at the airports of the Balearic Islands is over.

"We have reached the maximum limit. It is not desirable to increase that number in high season.

"Is there saturation in the Balearic Islands? Yes, there is saturation in the Balearic Islands. Have we reached the limit? Yes, we have reached the limit."

Regional president Marga Prohens raised the issue with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in their last meeting.

However Costa explained: "We will keep trying, because we have not achieved the objective," emphasising they are working to address a "real problem for the resident population".

Costa was unwavering about the prospect of future development: "It's over, there are no more places."