A tour bus drives through a ribbon during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Tour Bus Loading and Unloading Zone at Santa Monica Place on Thursday, June 28, 2012. It has been more than 5 years since there was a stop at the mall. Holding the ribbon are representatives from Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, City of Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica and DTSM Inc.

With this new zone, tour companies can drop visitors in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, at the intersection of the World-Famous Third Street Promenade and the latest outdoor shopping haven Santa Monica Place.

The City of Santa Monica extends courtesy parking and use of designated zones within the City to tour bus operators who are certified by SMCVB for their contribution to the visitor industry in Santa Monica. Operators can apply online at SantaMonica.com.