Day spa franchise Planet Beach is positioned for expansion in 2013 with plans to open up to 40 new stores worldwide.

Over the past two years the international chain, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, US, expanded domestically and to regions in Saudi Arabia, Canada and Egypt.

Chief executive Stephen Smith said the business, which has more than 250 locations worldwide, has plans to expand its presence in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah and other states this year.

He said the business's monthly membership model provides customers with a full suite of spa services for a low membership fee and provides franchise owners with a recurring stream of revenue each month, reducing cash flow uncertainty.

At the Annual Planet Beach Convention, to be held in Las Vegas, US, from 30 January to 1 February, the spa brand will launch its first smart phone app, set to include latest deals and specials, a location finder, direct phone links and a feature to book spa appointments.

A new international spa design and new franchisee options will also be unveiled at the convention.