World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry, has confirmed world-renowned hotelier Sir David Michels and other high-profile figures as speakers for its hotels programme.

Michels is president of the Institute of Hospitality and will be able to draw on his more than 40 years of experience in the industry while speaking to delegates at WTM 2013.

A co-founder of the Michels & Taylor hotel consultancy, he was knighted in 2006 for services to the hotel and catering industry.

Previous roles have included that of deputy chairman of both Marks & Spencer and easyJet, and he retired as chief executive of Hilton Group in 2007.

Sir David is speaking on the Investment & Finance session, which will investigate strategies that investors and owners can use to stay ahead of the game.

As well as Sir David, the other senior, respected professionals who will take part in the debate include Arthur de Haast, chairman Hotels & Hospitality, Russell Kett, managing director, HVS International, and Peter Ducker, chief executive, Institute of Hospitality.

Organised by the Institute of Hospitality, the Investment & Finance session is from 11:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday November 6th, in South Gallery Rooms 15 & 16.