In celebration of World Earth Day 2026, we are highlighting our members who are paving the way in sustainability and responsible tourism. Uncover how these businesses are making a positive environmental impact and setting new standards for eco-friendly travel.
Tower of London River Tour have implemented sustainability practices into their organisation from the beginning. From partnering with local suppliers to sourcing materials responsibly, the Tower of London River Tour highlights its commitment to operating in an environmentally conscious way.
1. What does sustainability mean to your company, and why does it matter now more than ever?
At Woods Tours, sustainability isn’t a marketing tool; our business was built around it from day one. Our first vessel, the Silver Raven, is the UK’s first electric tour boat, designed to operate emissions-free on the Thames. But sustainability goes beyond propulsion. It’s about operating on one of the world’s most iconic rivers in a way that respects it: minimising our environmental footprint, sourcing responsibly (our interiors use Scottish eco-leather, carpet woven in Devon and English pewter), and running a business that contributes positively to the local community.
It matters now because there is a real opportunity for the industry to lead and make a true impact. The Thames is a living ecosystem and a working heritage asset; if operators like us don’t lead the shift, the industry will be forced into it later at far greater cost.
2. How does your organisation measure the impact of your sustainability initiatives?
We measure it in three main ways.
- First, energy and emissions: we track the Silver Raven’s energy consumption, the split between battery and generator-assisted operation during our transitional phase, and our progress toward fully shore-charged running once infrastructure is in place.
- Second, operational metrics such as supplier provenance (we prioritise British-made goods like English sparkling wine), and the proportion of our team hired and trained locally.
- Third, customer and community impact: passenger feedback on the sustainability story, engagement with our neighbours, and the cultural and educational value we add through our live-guide content developed with Historic Royal Palaces.
Although we’re still at an early stage in our data journey, we’re building the measurement framework in parallel with the operation, rather than bolting it on later.
3. How can the industry encourage and promote sustainable travel?
First, infrastructure is key; no electric vessel (or vehicle) can operate cleanly without shore-side charging, and the authorities need to work hand in hand with operators on this. Individual operators can’t solve it alone. Secondly, honest storytelling. Guests can tell the difference between genuine progress and a sticker. Thirdly, collaboration, such as joint lobbying and common emissions reporting, would lift the whole sector.
The opportunity lies in creating British sustainable experiences that are luxurious and highly desirable, elevating the guest experience and showcasing the very best that travel can be, proving that sustainability isn’t about a compromise.
4. What practical advice would you offer to organisations to improve their sustainability offering in a way that supports local communities and makes meaningful contributions to the places they operate in?
Start with your suppliers and your neighbours. We deliberately buy British where we can and built the Silver Raven bespoke for London with Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall and we work closely with businesses around our hub at the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Quay, and St Katharine Docks.
Hire for the long term. Give staff meaningful training and a real career path rather than churning through seasonal labour. We have already promoted one of our front-of-house staff to a marketing role, and our marine apprentices will soon be captains in their own right. The quality of the experience depends on the staff.
Be honest about the journey. We operate in a transitional phase; our shore-charging infrastructure isn’t fully in place yet so, whilst we our emissions are already significantly reduced, we are not yet at the end goal. There is nothing to hide and saying so publicly builds more trust than pretending otherwise.
5. What does success in sustainability look like for your company in the next 10 years?
By 2036, success looks like this: the Silver Raven operates fully shore-charged, powered by renewable electricity, with zero operational emissions. We’ve expanded the fleet, with any new vessel being fully electric from day one. Tower Bridge Quay has become a genuine example of what a sustainable river tourism hub can look like. Our team is stable, well-paid, and largely recruited from the local area. And the wider river tour industry has moved with us, not because we pushed them, but because the standard we set became the expected standard which everyone buys into.
6. By 2030, what measurable sustainability goals is your organisation committed to achieving?
By 2030 we’re aiming for:
- 100% shore-charged operation for the Silver Raven, eliminating generator use in normal service
- Zero operational CO₂ emissions on the river during tours
- Predominantly UK-sourced food, beverage, and consumables
- A local hiring targets, with a defined living wage commitment
- Annual sustainability reporting with transparent numbers
Content written by Chris Kangis, CEO of Woods Tours. For more information on the Tower of London River Tour, click here.
