The number of British and Canadian tourists, which normally account for almost half of all international visitors to metro Orlando, will increase by 2006, but the volume of Brazilian and German visitors will still be below 2000 levels. The forecast was made during the 35th annual International Pow Wow in St. Louis.

Visit Florida, the state's tourist marketing agency, confirms the international tourist side is showing signs of rallying. The agency estimates overseas visitors in the first quarter rose 6%; Canadian tourists, 8%.

The sluggish international tourist volume pace doesn't surprise Orlando hospitality industry consultant Robin L. Webb. "While vacationers have generally returned to traveling, their spending habits are more frugal, in light of the economic uncertainties, and most are traveling close to home," Webb tells GlobeSt.com.