A growing number of UK holidaymakers are cancelling planned trips to the Balearic island of Menorca following warnings from Spanish authorities that the popular tourist destinations have reached capacity.
Spanish Minister of Economy, Finance and Innovation, Antoni Costa, recently urged the national government to reassess tourism levels on the islands of Menorca, Majorca, and Ibiza. He warned that the region can no longer accommodate the current volume of visitors, particularly during peak season.
“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,” Costa said in a statement. “We have reached our limit.”
His comments come amid growing local pressure to control tourism numbers in the region, with concerns about the environmental and social impact of mass tourism.
In response, some UK travellers have taken to social media to express frustration and announce cancellations of trips—many worth thousands of pounds.
One British user wrote: “We were booked to go to Menorca next Tuesday – not any more. We love Spain, and they’ve had a lot of our money over the years – not any more. £3,000 plus spending is what we’ve saved. We’ll do something else.”
Another commenter added: “The panic will be greater when they have no income from tourists. I live in a tourist town and find them annoying, but their money helps to pay for our services and gives local people employment.”
The backlash follows months of increasing tension in Spanish coastal and island regions, where residents have voiced concern over rising housing costs, overcrowding, and strained infrastructure blamed in part on mass tourism and second-home ownership.
One user remarked: “I think tourists aren’t the real problem. Tourists pay to visit and eat out. The problem is second homes and probably, as in most of Europe, uninvited and unwanted non-paying guests.”
Spain remains one of the most visited countries in the world, and the Balearic Islands—particularly Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca—are among its top destinations. In 2023, more than 18 million tourists visited the islands, with British travellers accounting for a large share.
However, growing calls from both politicians and residents to place limits on tourism suggest a shift in tone from years past. Discussions are reportedly underway to introduce restrictions such as reduced flight slots and tourist caps during summer months.
Travel agencies in the UK have not yet issued formal guidance in response to the comments from Spanish officials, but experts suggest that more British tourists may explore alternative destinations this summer as uncertainty continues.
