Marriott International has refreshed the logo of its Protea Hotels brand and added "by Marriott" to the name. Marriott president and managing director for Middle East and Africa Alex Kyriakidis said the Marriott endorsement would "elevate brand perception and presence." The company acquired Protea in 2014 and hopes the rebranding will help it appeal to aspirational travelers in Africa's growing middle class and make the brand more recognizable globally.