Tuvalu is a philatelic hot spot; the most sought after souvenirs on the tiny island nation are stamps. Since 1975, collectors from more than 60 countries around the globe have eagerly sought new issues of Tuvalu stamps which depict all facets of island life. The Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau located at the southern end of the township of Funafuti, displays and sells these collector items. Tuvalu fans, mats, baskets, necklaces, woodcarvings and fishhooks are also famed throughout the Pacific. These can be purchased at the Women’s Handicraft Center at the airport and on each of the outer islands.
The Tuvaluan diet relies heavily on fish. The guest houses and the hotel in Funafuti provide excellent seafood meals at reasonable costs. Often the fish is caught daily and brought straight from the lagoon. The Vaiaku Lagi Hotel and Plantation Restaurant have fully licensed bar and dining facilities, with an emphasis on fish and local foods. Hideaway Guesthouse serves lunches and provides picnic lunches.
