TOPONIMIA LOCALĂ CA SURSĂ PENTRU CREAREA DE TRASEE TURISTICE TEMATICE. STUDIU DE CAZ: SATUL VORNICENI, RAIONUL STRĂȘENI

Summary. Vorniceni, one of the oldest villages in Moldova, boasts a rich cultural and naturalheritage, including national monuments, churches, and archaeological sites. The village developedon the foundations of older settlements, and the ‚Vatra Dumeniului’ museum highlights the localhistory. Authorities have strategic plans for tourism development, including tourist routes and uniqueattractions, such as the Golden Horde archaeological site and various churches. Authentic local cuisine enhances the tourist offering. The local toponymy identified in discussions with elderly residentsallows for the creation of a tourist map and unique local routes. The development concept adopted bylocal authorities for 2022-2024 includes 47 strategic actions with a budget of 8.1 million lei, aimingto promote the village as a tourist destination.Key words: local toponymy, tourist destination, cultural and natural heritage, tourist route,unique attraction, authentic local cuisine.