The rise of €0.68 (£0.59) has been branded "excessive" by Javier Gándara, President of the Association of Airlines (ALA).

Officials in Tenerife are now preparing to challenge the policy as they ask for the Canary Islands to be exempt from the hike.

Pedro Oliver, the president of the College of Tour Guides, said: "The anti-tourism messages are resonating. If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays.

"We are sending the message that we don't want tourists and that everything is too crowded."

Exceltur, a campaign group for sustainable tourism, also opposes the hike, arguing that it does not align with the "general interest inherent in a public company that manages a key monopoly for air accessibility to Spain."

However, the move comes amid growing frustration amongst many in Spain as tourist numbers continue to rise.

Numerous demonstrations have been held in popular holiday destinations across Spain, with tourists told to "go home."

The frustration stems from soaring rents and house prices in areas popular with tourists.