It is common knowledge the Internet is changing many aspects of how we live our lives – and that includes making travel arrangements. As more people prefer to book online, new opportunities are created for travel providers, both hotels and online travel agencies (OTA). Many OTAs have launched aggressive campaigns for market share, and in the process placing some hotels in direct competition with former suppliers. Here are some hints on strategy to win market share in 2013.

By Rod Kackley: When a bad Internet connection in your hotel room stops you from uploading the biggest order of your career to the home office, you stop caring that you’re out of fresh towels.

By Christine Dobby: Luxury Retreats, combines a web platform with the personalized concierge-like service associated with high-end getaways. Since its startup in 1999, the company has grown to more than 2,100 villas in more than 50 destinations with about 150 employees, and the company is on track to reach sales of $100-million a year at the end of its fiscal year in June. In this edited transcript, Mr. Poulin, founder and chief executive of Luxury Retreats, shares how he applied technology to the travel industry and how he’s used the more recent popularity of new types of travel sites to his advantage.

By the JMBM Global Hospitality Group®: Hotel companies are actively entering the mobile application space as a means of gaining market share and solidifying guest relations. In addition to online travel agents like HotelsbyMe.com, a number of brands including Omni, Choice and Starwood have developed mobile applications. However, as mobile applications gain popularity, hotel companies should consider how privacy and security laws will impact how they can use those applications.