Gillian Metcalf from Kent had been celebrating her 50th birthday when she was killed in September 2013, while on the Rio Negro.

Two Brazilian boat drivers were last year found guilty of manslaughter.

The family’s solicitor said Audley Travel’s admission was an “enormous victory”.

"Not only will [the family] get compensation but it is a justification of all the efforts to get justice for Gillian Metcalf."

However Gillian Metcalf’s widower said the long delay had been “cruel”, the BBC reported.

"It has kind of locked us in to what happened and as it’s unnecessary, it seems a little bit cruel," he said.

Sue Ockwell of Audley Travel said: "I think we have been surprised at how long it has taken. We wish it could have moved more quickly."

She added: "We were very sad and surprised to hear the Metcalfs felt we hadn’t helped them adequately.

"We apologise unreservedly for that. It was very far from our intention."