Meet Macau’s host to the stars: Reggie Martin
Reggie Martin has travelled a long way to become the favourite host of VIPs and celebrities visiting Macau
Not everyone can say that they get to hang out with the likes of Beyoncé, Chow Yun-fat, Nicolas Cage, Daniel Wu, Eason Chan and Daniel Radcliffe for a living. But it’s all part of the job for Reggie Martin, who is head of VIP/celebrity relations at The Venetian Macao.
“Over the years I have made some great friends,” Martin says. “It’s nice to be able to get a text message from someone that millions of people would love to just get a photo with, and I’m sitting there hanging out with them and have relationships with them.”
His ability to charm and befriend some of the world’s biggest stars and most influential VIPs has led to the nickname of “the stars’ star”. The New York Daily News coined it after speaking to boxing promoter Bob Arum and American rapper Ja Rule. “They started saying that I was like the star for the stars – and so I guess I’m doing something right,” Martin says.
A short walk to a photo shoot reveals how much of a people person Martin is. He’s able to spark up a conversation with almost every passerby and leaves them smiling. “It’s not easy to get close and become friends with the prince of Saudi Arabia,” he says. “You’ve got to be born with the gift of the gab, the personality and the swagger.”
You’ve got to be born with the gift of the gab, the personality and the swagger
Martin has been looking after VIPs at the world’s biggest casino since The Venetian Macao opened in 2007. These days, his hard-earned reputation as a host who can make things happen has led to celebrities specifically requesting his services when they come to town.