Tourism in Britain will be given a major boost next year by a festival to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, according to the Prince of Wales.

Launching the London String of Pearls festival, which will mark the Queen's 50-year reign next year, the Prince admitted that 2001 had been a "thoroughly desperate" year for the tourism industry, but expressed the hope that the Golden Jubilee festival, which will feature a series of heritage landmarks linked together by the river Thames, would attract visitors after the terrorist alerts.

"Giving people access to these treasures will, I hope, play its part in helping to revive the fortunes of tourism after what has been, for various reasons, a thoroughly desperate year," the prince said.

Involving more than 80 famous London institutions, hundreds of special events - concerts, performances, exhibitions, trails and children's activities - will be staged in the city from March to December next year. Speaking at the St James's Palace launch, the prince told organisers: "I can think of no better way to help celebrate Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee next year since, together, you represent so many elements of our shared national experience which is reflected also in the history of the monarchy."

Places taking part include royal palaces, parliament, royal parks, gardens, historic halls and houses, Westminster Abbey, cathedrals, City livery companies, museums, galleries, universities, scientific and professional institutions and military and government offices. Some are opening to the public for the first time and others will allow access to parts of their buildings not normally seen by visitors.