Record Tourism Momentum: Slovakia logged its busiest June ever for hotel and guesthouse stays, with about 640,000 guests (+5.6% year-on-year) and 1.5 million nights; Žilina led domestically while Bratislava stayed the top international draw. Heat & Water Stress Across Europe: Another major heatwave is pushing temperatures toward 42–43C, with France imposing water restrictions affecting around 70% of the country and drought hitting aquifers and even tap supply—bad news for summer travel comfort. Schengen/Border Rules for Brits: The UK Foreign Office updated guidance for EU trips, flagging the Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks (fingerprints and photo) for first Schengen visits, with queues already reported and Greece temporarily easing requirements for summer. Travel Disruptions at the Border: Italy suspended passport-free travel with Spain (31 July–15 August), and Spain retaliated with spot checks, mainly meaning longer lines for some travellers. Tourism Demand Signals: Agoda data shows European accommodation searches for India rose 14% for summer 2026, with Slovakia among the fastest-growing source markets. Regional Air Access: Marsa Alam airport welcomed a weekly wave of European flights, including arrivals from Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Slovakia, supporting Red Sea beach demand. Practical Note for Visitors: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across Czechia on Aug 12, with Slovakia seeing the eclipse’s key phase after sunset in many areas.