Huazhu Group Ltd

Huazhu Group Ltd., also known as Huazhu Group, is a NASDAQ‑listed hotel operator headquartered in China. It manages an extensive portfolio of hotel brands that serve domestic and international travelers across China. The company provides accommodation services, including rooms, food and beverage, and related hospitality amenities through its various brands. Its operations span hundreds of Chinese cities, reflecting a broad geographic footprint.

The group’s size is illustrated by the 2018 data breach that exposed nearly 500 million customer records, indicating a substantial customer base and extensive data holdings. The breach compromised registration details, personal information, and booking histories of customers. This incident highlighted the volume of personal data associated with its hotel operations. Following the leak, Shanghai police initiated an investigation at the company’s request while urging enhanced data protection measures. The affected organisation launched internal reviews and engaged external technical experts to trace the source of the illicit data sale. The incident affected guests staying at numerous hotel brands operated by the group. These events underscore the organisation’s prominence in the Chinese hospitality sector and its responsibility for safeguarding large volumes of guest data.