South Africa’s is aiming to boost tourism with a planned R1.5billion edutainment facility off the KwaZulu-Natal coast

US hospitality group Glitzy plans the facility to include six see-through tourist submarines, underwater restaurants, nightclubs and a 17000-seat amphitheatre for live music performances.

According to Glitzy president and CEO Toney Watkins, the concept named “Music City, SA” is an “Aquamusical Experience” broken into two parts – on land and off shore.

The on land part will include a music-themed hotel, conference centre and retail area.

Offshore however will be a 60 meter long, twin- hulled platform known as the "Mother Ship".  This will have underwater restaurants, nightclubs, hotel suites and a games centre for children.

Also planned are 66 luxury, cinema-style swivel seated submarines, offering passenger floor to ceiling views while they travel to depths up to 250 feet.

South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) CEO Tsietsi Mokhele said opportunities in maritime tourism in South Africa were often overlooked.

Advising on the project, Global Holdings Corporation president Rudolph Dahl said Samsa was narrowing down the site for the project that has potential to create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

Mr Dahl said the facility will make money, as "once people are on board they are a captive audience."