Industry intelligence group Research and Markets predicts moderate growth for the next two years in the US spa industry as the economy picks up and drives discretionary consumer spending.

The research company this month announced the addition of spa services to its market research and data offering.

Its 2013 report on the US$13bn (10.1bn euro, £8.6bn) US spa industry is broken down into an industry overview, a quarterly update, challenges, trends, opportunities, call preparation questions, financial information, industry forecast and web links.

The company says the profitability of individual companies depends on efficient resource use and effective marketing.

While large companies have an advantage due to economies of scale, smaller companies can compete by offering unique services, catering to a local market and delivering a superior customer experience.

The report describes the fitness and recreational sports centres industry – which includes spa services – as fragmented with the top 50 companies accounting for about a third of all sales.

Research and Markets ongoing research in the spa sector will chart the US$250bn (195bn euro, £165bn) global tourism spa market and tracks developments with major players such as Canyon Ranch, Golden Door, Woodhouse Spa and Steiner Leisure.