[LAGOS] Marriott International, the owner of brands including the Ritz-Carlton and Renaissance, is strengthening its position in West Africa as economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana boost travel and tourism.

Protea Hospitality Holdings, which Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott agreed to buy for US$186 million in January, is building five-star and three-star hotels in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, adding 400 rooms to the 700 it has in the country, said Danny Bryer, director of sales, marketing and revenue for Protea.

"With the surging Nigerian economy resulting in companies around the world seeking to do business, demand for quality hotel rooms is expected to increase substantially over the next few years," said Mr Bryer.