Johannesburg’s growing reputation as a destination for luxury hospitality and world-class dining has received another international boost, with Hyatt Hotels South Africa earning four nominations in the 2026 World Travel Awards.
The nominations recognise the group’s growing hospitality offering across accommodation, business events and gastronomy, with Park Hyatt Johannesburg, Room 32 and Urchin Restaurant’s Journey experience all receiving recognition in highly competitive categories.
Room 32 has been nominated for Africa’s Best New Hotel Restaurant 2026, following its emergence as a sophisticated dining destination in the heart of Johannesburg. The restaurant has positioned itself around bold flavours, refined presentation and an elevated hospitality experience.
Also receiving recognition is Park Hyatt Johannesburg, which has been nominated for Africa’s Best New MICE Hotel 2026. The nomination highlights the property’s focus on luxury business events, conferences, meetings and high-profile gatherings, further strengthening its position within Johannesburg’s premium hospitality sector.
Meanwhile, Urchin Restaurant’s Journey tasting menu has picked up two nominations, including South Africa’s Best Culinary Experience 2026 and Africa’s Best Fine Dining Experience 2026.
The Journey concept takes diners through a carefully considered culinary experience inspired by local ingredients, coastal influences and contemporary African gastronomy. The menu combines precision and storytelling to create an experience that goes beyond a traditional restaurant visit.
For Hyatt Hotels South Africa, the recognition comes as the group continues to expand its presence in the country’s luxury hospitality market, with its portfolio increasingly combining high-end accommodation with distinctive dining, events and experiential offerings.
The two nominations place Urchin among the establishments being recognised for pushing the boundaries of fine dining and showcasing South Africa’s evolving culinary identity on an international stage.
The 2026 World Travel Awards nominations provide another opportunity for South African hospitality to compete on a global platform, while highlighting the growing appeal of Johannesburg as a destination for international travellers, business visitors and culinary enthusiasts.
The four nominations are:
- Room 32 – Africa’s Best New Hotel Restaurant 2026
- Park Hyatt Johannesburg – Africa’s Best New MICE Hotel 2026
- Journey – Urchin Restaurant – South Africa’s Best Culinary Experience 2026
- Journey – Urchin Restaurant – Africa’s Best Fine Dining Experience 2026
With four nominations spanning hospitality, business travel and culinary excellence, Hyatt Hotels South Africa enters the 2026 World Travel Awards with a strong showing across some of the industry’s most closely watched categories.
