Lezama's 97 Private Flights Draw Tourism
Tourism leaders in Quintana Roo have not commented on a report detailing 97 private flights taken by Governor Mara Lezama to luxury U.S. destinations.
Tourism organizations in Quintana Roo have avoided commenting on a report revealing Governor Mara Lezama's use of 97 private flights. According to an investigation published by Reforma, these flights went to luxury U.S. destinations like Orlando, Florida and Vail, Colorado.
Lezama has acknowledged using private flights abroad but denied using public funds. She stated the number of flights was lower than reported. The investigation documented the use of private aircraft models including Learjet, Gulfstream, and Hawker.
The average flight cost for these models is estimated at $6,000 per hour. Based on these rates, a one-way flight to Orlando would cost approximately 406,000 pesos. A flight to Vail would be around 812,000 pesos.
This contrasts with the governor's reported net monthly salary of 102,598 pesos.
Flight Details and Destinations
The report is based on airport records and U.S. Department of Homeland Security data. It states that Lezama has accumulated 119 migration movements, with 97 linked to private flights. These records cover her time as municipal president of Benito Juárez, whose seat is Cancún, and later as governor since September 2022.
Her most frequent private flight destinations are Orlando, Florida and Vail, Colorado. Specifically, the data shows 53 entries and exits linked to her for Orlando since September 2022. The report also notes commercial flights to European and Canadian cities including Rome, London, Madrid, Paris, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Broader Travel Records
Travel records extend beyond the governor. Mara Lezama, members of her family, and Morenista senator Eugenio “Gino” Segura accumulated 605 migration entries and exits from Mexico between December 2018 and December 2025. Of that total, 283 movements were related to flights on private aircraft. Segura is reportedly being pointed to as her successor.
Sector Reaction
The issue has dominated the political news in Quintana Roo and nationally due to its unusual nature. It is expected to influence the public agenda in the coming days. However, the most representative tourism organizations in the state have chosen not to express any considerations of support or suspicion. This silence comes from a sector that sustains the entity's economy and has referents like José Chapur or Xcaret. Business tourism lobbies and unions in Quintana Roo have also not issued any opinion on the matter.
