A great deal actually!
Having a geographic memory (when I recall a memory, I pin point it to a specific place), my life was revolutionized with Google Maps.
I am amazed at Maps because it provides information not only on how to get there, but also why, when and what’s there too!
I soon recognized that the quality of reviews / photos is essential to the entire Maps community: I automatically felt I had to contribute too by sharing my experiences and helping other people pick where to go. Furthermore, in the case of hotels/restaurants, I believe constructive reviews help the owners improving their business, benefits which are then shared across everyone in the area.
To me, the Local Guides program therefore means a way to meet other Maps enthusiasts who care about their community, finding out the impact of their contributions in their neighborhood and sharing tips on how to make even better reviews in the future 
Greetings from Italy!
Alessandro