TUI CEO warns Spain and Italy are nearing tourism capacity limits

TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel has warned that Spain and Italy are approaching their maximum tourism capacity. As demand rebounds, popular Mediterranean destinations are facing significant infrastructure strain, overcrowding, and rising environmental impacts.

In Spain, international arrivals are on track to reach approximately 100 million this year. The surge in visitors has led to local community protests and prompted governments to implement higher tourist taxes and restrictions on cruise ships and short-term rentals.

Ebel noted that while demand remains high, travelers are beginning to shift toward destinations with more expansion capacity, such as Turkey and Egypt. TUI is preparing to adjust its flight and hotel allocations to accommodate these changing booking patterns.