MANILA - The Department of Tourism said Thursday it was pulling out an international ad campaign after less than a week due to "glaring similarities" with one used in South Africa.

The government also scrapped its contract with advertising agency McCann Worldgroup, which created the ad about a blind Japanese man who experiences the Philippines through senses other than sight.

The global agency should issue a public apology over the ad, due to "negative feedback," the DOT said in a statement.

"After a diligent review of the ad materials in question, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has decided to discontinue its partnership with McCann Worldgroup Philippines," the DOT said in a statement.

The DOT said it was seeking a producer for a new ad campaign, which will be "consistent" with the previous "It's more fun in the Philippines" slogan.

The ad agency said the Philippine campaign was not a rip-off and was based on a true story. The 2014 South African campaign was also produced by the McCann group.

"Thus, we encourage those with fresh and original ideas that will showcase our diversely-rich tourist destinations and the unique Filipino hospitality to join this venture," the DOT said.